the arts
HISTORIC MUSICAL THEATRE SOCIETY LEADS THE WAY WITH MODERN MUSICAL IN 2021 Founded in 1898 as Rochdale Amateur Operatic Society, Rochdale Musical Theatre Company originally performed Light Operettas and then Gilbert & Sullivan. It has a virtually unbroken history of performances since its inception. Having played for many years at the Theatre Royal and then the Hippodrome in Rochdale, the society moved to a temporary home at the ABC cinema before moving to The Gracie Fields Theatre in 1977 and also performing at Heywood Civic centre. In 2015 the society changed its name to Rochdale Musical Theatre Company as, in more modern times, productions have been musical theatre rather than of an operatic nature. The company is steeped in history and family tradition and is now leading the way with forward thinking theatre productions. Their next show is a fabulously fun international award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, which starred Reese Witherspoon. It follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Faced with a decision of cancelling the 2021 show, the committee knew they had to adapt to the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic and lockdown. They decided to hold a virtual get together and hosted virtual auditions. Call backs were socially distanced in chairman, Dan Killeen’s garden (X-Factor style) and a principle cast has been announced.
Leonie Richardson (pictured right) will star as Elle Woods, joined by Zac McIntyre as Emmett Forrest, Steven Cheeseman as Warner Huntington III, Kyanna Cronshaw as Vivienne Kensington, Cesca Astley as Paulette Bonafonte, Terry Banham as Professor Callahan, Maria Markland as Brooke Wyndham, Katie Glover as Margot, Annabelle Taylor as Pilar, Michelle Barker as Kate and Jenya Robinson as Serena. The show is set to be performed at the 4D state of the art immersive theatre at Matthew Moss High School in March 2021. New members are always welcome. Anyone who is interested in both onstage and back stage roles should email their details, introducing themselves and what they would like to do, to: auditions@rochdalemtc.co.uk. Visit RMTC’s Facebook page @rochdalemusicals and website www.rochdalemtc.co.uk for more information.
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