Gruelling dance marathons are backdrop to Chichester student production
The world of dance marathons, gruelling endurance contests where couples dance for days to win cash prizes and fleeting fame, is the world of the latest production from students at the University of Chichester.
Steel Pier, set in Atlantic City during the 1930s and featuring Daisy Jolly and Amelia Taylor sharing the role of Rita and Cai Eastwood as Bill, will be performed at the University of Chichester, Bognor Regis campus, Assembly Theatre from November 20-23 (Thursday 7:30pm; Friday 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Saturday 2:30pm and 7:30pm; and Sunday 2:30pm).
The story centres on Rita Racine, a tired but determined former champion known as Lindy’s Lovebird, who has returned to the Steel Pier marathon circuit for one last competition. Rita is secretly married to Mick Hamilton, the unscrupulous promoter of the event, who manipulates her and the contests for publicity.
Rita’s assigned dance partner is Bill Kelly, a charming, mysterious aviator who claims to have just survived a plane crash. As the marathon grinds on, Rita and Bill develop a tender connection, and she begins to dream of a life of freedom beyond the dance floor and Mick’s control…
Cai, from Cardiff, is loving playing the part of Bill just as he is loving his time at the University of Chichester on the triple threat musical theatre course where he is in his second year.
“I came here because I just loved the course. When I came to Chichester, it was really friendly and they had the third-years doing a little showcase that was really, really good. They were working really hard and I met some of the tutors and they were really helpful and really supportive. The whole place has just been great. Everybody has just been really friendly and welcoming.”
He has enjoyed developing his skills and learning new ones: “With dance it was something I've never really done before and my singing has improved a lot as well. I've never really had any lessons before and I've been taught the proper techniques now.
“Originally I was not going to do musical theatre at all. I didn't know what I was going to do but this has been great. I did a couple of shows at secondary school and really, really enjoyed them. Being in the cast is such fun and I also wanted to do something that was creative and that was a challenge.
“Bill is a guy who comes into Rita's life when she is in a tough spot. He is really nice and approachable and he is calm and confident. He a pilot. He is like a daredevil. He travels a lot but we don't really know a lot about him. There is mystery about the character.”