Calling all local talent to audition for a brand new community production

People of all ages, talents and abilities are invited to audition for one of the biggest community arts projects in Tamworth on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at Tamworth Town Hall, between 10am and 3pm.

This exciting and innovative theatre production is proudly presented by Tamworth Repertory Company and Fired Up Theatre, the producers of previous successful community productions of the Wall, Quadrophenia and Colin Grazier Enigma, directed by Simon Quinn.

Fired Up Theatre is now looking for individuals, community groups, schools and colleges to get involved in this community arts project, which promises to be a huge success. Anyone interested in attending the audition day on January 12 can get in touch by requesting an application form and emailing: fireduptheatre@aol.com or calling Tamworth Arts and Events team on 01827 709314.

The project – called The Days of Abigail Skyrocket, relives  the history of Tamworth Assembly Rooms through the eyes of a ghost (Abigail) reputed to haunt the theatre as she searches for her beloved husband Tommy. It follows the story through the shows and performers who have trod the boards of the stage over the past 130 years.

The production is written by Mal Dewhirst, a local poet, writer and film maker, who is well known for his work with a variety of community projects and theatre in unusual spaces, including building the Polesworth poetry trail and Wigginton Park Tree Trail stories. 

The vision for the project is that it will involve people from all ages and communities across Tamworth and will involve groups of people who would not normally work together.

The performance will take place at Tamworth Assembly Rooms on March 7, 2020.

Scenes will include paying homage to wartime at the Assembly Rooms, performances by local groups and big names such as The Beatles; bringing nostalgia and a contemporary look on how the Assembly Rooms has entertained crowds for more than one hundred years.

Simon Quinn, Director for Fired Up Theatre, said:” We are really excited about bringing a brand-new show to Tamworth, that will celebrate 130 years of Tamworth Assembly Rooms’ long history of community theatre.

“We are looking for people with all sorts of skills and talents to bring this project to the stage and would particularly like to get voluntary groups involved. We are inviting people of all ages and abilities to join in with this exciting community arts project.

“Whether you’re a regular performer, new to the stage, fancy singing, want to help out backstage or would love to exhibit poems or photographs, this is your chance to get involved in an amazing project in the newly refurbished Assembly Rooms.

“Get in touch now for an application form by emailing: fireduptheatre@aol.com or call the council’s Arts and Events team, on 01827 709314. An information pack will be handed out on the day of audition.”

Adey Ramsel, Theatre, Artistic and Events Manager for Tamworth Assembly Rooms, said: “This arts project is the first of many annual events as part of the venue’s new community outreach programme. 

“The venue’s aim is to include as many community groups and individuals from all walks of life as possible. The project will not be affiliated to any one particular group and will act as a way of bringing people that may not normally join arts projects, onto the venue’s stage. 

“Fired Up Theatre were approached as the main co-producers to work alongside the Arts & Events team on this first project, and we look forward to this first event taking shape.”