The children from PYPS (Primary Youth Performing Society) were very excited to learn that their two February shows, Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies (8 to 11 year olds) and The Moon Thieves (4 to 7 year olds) both won awards for Excellence from ACT, the Association of Community Theatre in the North West.
Director, Sally Hunt and Stage Manager, Darren Broadhurst, (pictured with the children) were 'over the moon' to hear the news which was announced to the children and their proud parents during their July performances at Mottram St Andrew Village Hall.
Sally Hunt commented "In July the young ones performed a lovely musical called 'Little Red Hen'. Isla Keay took the starring role with confidence and humour. Timing had to be spot on from the young cast as there were no pauses in the music - it was all spoken, sung and danced to a 30 minute musical score! No mean feat for this age group.
"Josh Shepherd as Percival Pig, Eva Dean as Dorothy Duck and Ella McGivern-Shams as Catherine Cat delighted their audience as 'The Lazy Loafers'. There were other strong performances from 'The Corn Dollies', 'Mr Wheatley', 'the farmer and his wife and their little cow'."
Meanwhile the thirty 8 to 11 yearr olds performed 'Splash' a musical by Craig Hawes based on The Ark.
Sally said "The lead roles were taken by Louis Shamim as Preston Parrot and Martha Simpson as his wife Polly. Both gave very strong excellent performances. They were supported by 4 equally good Seagulls - Libby Senior, Eva Spilsbury, Abbey Clarke and Abigail Beton. Their stage awareness and timing was perfect as was their singing.
"All the other children had to pair up as animals on the ark with a twist. Hal and Hattie Hippo (America tourists), Bruce & Sheila Kangaroo (Australians), George and Joan Giraffe (Ballroom dancers), you get the idea! Lots of cameo parts to show off their acting skills. They didn't disappoint their audiences and had loads of fun performing."
Rehearsals start again on Saturday 5th September at Dean Row Community Centre, from 2pm to 3.30pm for the 4 to 7 year olds and 4pm to 5.30pm for the 8- to 11 year olds.
Their February productions will be The Goblin Next Door and Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits. Anyone interested in joining should contact Sally Hunt on 07968 770913 for more information or just come along on the 5th.
Sally added "As a lot of the younger ones are moving in to the older age group we are particularly looking for 4 to 7 year olds to join in the fun."
