By Jen Corcoran
The award nominated young performers at Southport Dramatic Club have been presenting high quality musicals in their summer slot for many years.
Last year The Addams Family wowed audiences and this year they had planned to present the Sondheim musical, Sweeney Todd. Rehearsals had been underway for a few months when tragic events propelled our town into the news.
As communities tried to make sense of what happened and came together to honour and grieve, the ensemble discussed the show and felt that out of respect to those affected, it was appropriate to cancel.
However, music can unite people. It can be solace, a light in dark times. They decided that they would bring their musical theatre skills to a concert; Songs for Southport.
Songs for Southport features a considered selection of reflective and uplifting songs. There are special arrangements and classic compositions. Musicals featured include old classics like West Side Story, more recent crowd pleasers such as The Greatest Showman, modern hits like Groundhog Day, and of course, some Sondheim.
Directors Deborah Bloom and Jonathon Plunkett are extending a special thanks to musical director Adam Dutch who has brought together gorgeous harmonies, and even a special arrangement to showcase the talents of the company and unite them vocally.
Songs for Southport will be performed for three nights from Thursday 22nd August to Saturday 24th August at 7:30pm, and there will also be a matinee at 2:30pm on Saturday 24th August. Tickets are priced from just £8 and £1 from each ticket will be donated to the Southport Stronger Together appeal which has been set up to support those affected by the awful events.
The youth members also felt strongly that they wanted to support Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and so there will be collections at each performance.
If you have attended any of the previous shows, you will know the incredible calibre of these performers. They are exceptionally talented and it is sure to be a beautiful evening.
So many of our volunteer members have worked hard to ensure that this can go on, and that our young people are supported through an emotionally challenging time.
They really do deserve to be playing to packed houses, so we would encourage you to attend if you are able, and encourage others to do the same.
Tickets can be booked via our website where you can also find news and updates. In person ticket sales are via our box office on Hoghton Street, contact 01704 530521.
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