The difference is Williams
Posted on 2nd Jul 2007
Accredited Gilbert and Sullivan Stage Director Pamela Leighton-Bilik is flying in from the USA specially to cast, rehearse and direct the performance which takes place over three nights in July.
Pamela, a stage director with experience of directing productions all over the world, will spend two weeks working closely with the 130 strong cast and chorus to help hone their acting talents.
The school was chosen to hold this performance by close friend of Pamela’s, Margaret Orton-Williams Chairman of the Williams BMW Group which is also the main sponsor of the production providing funding for costumes among other things.
Bellerive College was chosen as it attracts a diverse range of over 970 pupils from all across the city.
Ms Orton-Williams said: “The production came about after I’d witnessed at first hand the outstanding work Pamela has undertaken with children from all backgrounds to produce a performance at an international festival. We thought it would be fantastic to offer the students in Liverpool a real challenge and something they could really get their teeth into.”
“We thought of many reasons why it couldn’t be done before deciding that we absolutely should do our best to make it happen.
“The hard work really starts now and we’re totally convinced that Pamela’s energy and positivity will have a massive impact on the children.”
“Gilbert and Sullivan is sadly neglected in schools and this is a great opportunity for the whole school to get involved – from the art department preparing the posters and publicity materials through to the textile students creating the wonderful costumes.”
Bellerive College organised initial auditions which were open to every student covering an age range of 11-18.
From these initial auditions, 120 students have been chosen for the chorus and 48 budding starlets will compete to make a shortlist of 16 who will then battle it out to win one of just eight lead roles in the performance.
Pamela comments, “I’m sure the kids will be giving it their all to impress and win the lead roles.”
Celebrity hairdresser Andrew Collinge and his team are supplying wigs for the key performers and undertaking hair and make up for those involved.
The performances will be held at Mountford Hall, University of Liverpool on Thursday 12th July at 7.30pm, Friday 13th July at 7.30pm and Saturday 14th July at 2.30 pm and 7.30pm.
Tickets are on sale costing £5 for adults and £3 for concessions with all proceeds going to Claire House Hospice on Wirral and Jospice International based in Thornton. Please call 0151 727 2064 for further details.
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