Making a show in Henfield

The musical theatre summer school - ‘Let’s Make A Show’ - set up in 2012 by Helen Haines and Simi Fyles returned this August and was another big success.
Summer school weekSummer school week
Summer school week

This year the six-day course took place at the Henfield Youth Club, Deer Park and culminated in a unique performance of Alice In Wonderland.

“Our idea was to combine Lewis Carroll’s original text and characters with a range of music and movement; various improvisations, workshops and games have led us to this performance.

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We drew both from our own original choreography and musical arrangement and the creative ideas of the children. We are incredibly proud of the final piece.”

Extracts from the show included the Alice theme by Danny Elfman sung beautifully by the girls, a 1920’s style Mad Hatter’s Tea Party dance, a contemporary dance portraying the Caterpillar to electronic folk music as well as classic musical theatre numbers, for example Singin’ In The Rain.

The performance received some great feedback from the parents for a second year running and on speaking to them afterwards it was clear how much the course was enjoyed by all involved: “My daughter loved every minute of it!”

Both Helen and Simi found their love for the arts in Henfield when they joined the local theatre company as children.

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They are now training professionally in London and thoroughly enjoy coming back to Henfield in the summer to share their knowledge and experience in the Performing Arts.

Former actress of the West End and local resident, Jean Reeve came to the performance and commented: “The children coped very well with the material. To learn all those songs and routines in just one week is a real achievement.”

It is safe to say that the course revealed some very young talent and Helen and Simi hope to continue this project next year and to keep inspiring theatre in young people.

Over the two years children from Worthing, Shoreham, Steyning, Small Dole and Henfield have taken part.

If you are interested in more information on Let’s Make A Show, check them out on www.letsmakeashow.webs.com and www.facebook.com/letsmakeashow12

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