Sunday 8 March 2015

Singers and dancers needed for a 'Northern Soul' Wizard of Oz in Nottingham


Nottingham Lakeside Arts is looking for local singers and dancers to join the cast of their next major production, a Northern Soul inspired version of The Wizard of Oz... 

Its snappy name is indicator that this is no ordinary interpretation of the classic tale. 

Indeed, The Wiz, Nottingham Lakeside Arts’ next home-grown production, brings The Wizard of Oz into the Seventies and the booming Northern Soul club movement. 

“The music is incredible, and of course everybody loves the timeless story of Dorothy and her friends in Oz,” says director Martin Berry, who is looking for local performers to join the cast of the musical. 

“This is a wonderful chance to audition for a production that will be of a professional standard and will be led by a fantastically experienced team,” he says. 

Past productions at Nottingham Lakeside Arts include Sweeney Todd, Little Shop of Horrors and Oh What A Lovely War. 

The Wiz is described as an “ultra stylish version” of the Wizard Of Oz, featuring all the key characters: Scarecrow, Tinman, Cowardly Lion, the Wicked Witch of the West and Dorothy. But it will be set in a Nottingham Northern Soul club in the Seventies. 

“Expect high-fashion, pulsating music and a strong East Midlands vibe,” adds Martin, who is currently working on a production of Macbeth in London. His previous West End credits include Bill Kenwright’s Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Phyllida Lloyd's The Handmaid's Tale with the English National Opera. 

At Lakeside he’s directed A Christmas Carol and Doctor Faustus. Martin is currently working on A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the theatre based at University Park. 

“There’s always a real buzz around these summer shows and The Wiz will allow us to explore dance, singing, acting and production values on a whole new level,” he says. 

“We are really excited to find yet another talented local cast to bring this timeless tale to life with us. 

“Our previous casts have included drama school graduates, working actors and future professionals; many of whom are now training at top schools including GSA, Rose Bruford, LSMT, BSA, East 15 and Mountview; as well as teachers, IT technicians, students, retirees and many more. 

“They all have three things in common: they are talented, passionate about theatre and committed to joining us in being part of a unique and thrilling new production. If this sounds like you, we would love to meet you.” 

Successful candidates must be available for rehearsals which take place at weekends and Wednesday evenings during April, May and June. 

The show will run from July 13 to 25. 

Candidates must be 16 or over. There is no upper age limit. 

To register for an audition, email auditions@newstreettheatre.com with your name. 

To find out more visit www.lakesidearts.org.uk

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