Elmer mum and daughter's dream comes true at theatre

With a shared love of the dramatic arts, Jackie Kenyon and her 21-year-old daughter Abigail-Esther Knight are on cloud nine following the launch of Knightstar Productions.

“It really is a dream for both of us,” said 45-year-old Jackie.

“But, that said, it has been a real eye-opener for us. It is incredible how much work actually goes into running your own theatre company. There is so much you are not even aware of.

“The effort it takes to pull a production together is huge. There is the lighting, the sound, the cast; the list just seems to go on and on,” she added.

But luckily the pair, who live in Elmer, have been heavily involved with local theatre for a number of years.

In various ways since her teenage years Jackie has been a regular face on the theatre circuit.

Firstly, as a performer with Bognor Regis-based BROS Musical Productions who she has been involved with for some 29 years and the Arundel Players. Jackie then decided to move backstage and for the last six years has been enjoying life as a deputy stage manager.

This change has seen her work with a variety of local organisations.

She recently made her professional debut for Spillers Pantomimes as she took on the role of deputy stage manager during their production of Cinderella at Bognor’s Alexandra Theatre.

Choreographer Abigail has just graduated from the D&B School of Performing Arts in Bromley where she studied for her musical theatre diploma.

Jackie said: “I was really proud when Abigail decided to go into performing.”

The duo have already overcome their first hurdle, by holding the official launch of Knightstar Productions at the Regis Centre, in Bognor.

“The launch was very exciting. It was nerve-wracking but it felt so nice to be able to do it. The people at the Regis Centre are lovely and they were all very supportive,” said Jackie.

Their achievements have been made even more poignant as the company is dedicated to the memory of Colin Knight, Jackie’s father and Abigail’s grandfather.

“The name Knightstar is a tribute to my father who died three year ago.

“He supported us both throughout with our love of musical theatre and was an incredibly special person,” added Jackie.

For more information visit www.knightstarproductions.com