The countdown has begun and the world premiere of Churchill – The Musical is drawing closer with local members of the Algarve community preparing for the opening night on October 1 at Lagoa Auditorium.
Trevor Holman and Derek Ash, the directors of the show, are working hard with the performers, perfecting songs and scenes for the red carpet opening night.
Algarve Resident Dave Sutton Thompson, who will be playing President Roosevelt in the show, sang on the Churchill – The Musical CD and is happy to be able to continue his love of singing in the Algarve.
“I think the level of response to the show has been fantastic and we are all really looking forward to the professionals coming over to join us nearer the time," he said.
“I only moved to the Algarve less than two years ago and had enjoyed taking part in musical dramas in the West Country before I came here. To be honest, I didn’t think that I would be able to continue when I moved here but it is great to be part of such a professional production, especially at my age!” he added.
Damien King, another cast member, has taken part in many shows in both the UK and in the Algarve where he is part of the Angels Theatre Group.
“The directors saw me in an Angels Theatre Group show and asked me to join them. I have been in the Algarve for eight years and really enjoy performing so this is a great opportunity for me,” he said.
Some younger members of the community have also thrown themselves into rehearsals, with 15-year old Scott Anthony from Almancil and 14-year old India Rose Harris from Praia da Luz both singing, dancing and acting in the show.
“I have never done anything as big as this before and we are all really excited about the show,” said Scott Anthony, who attends the International School São Lourenço.
“I am pretty nervous about the whole red carpet part of the show but Trevor is guiding us with everything and has been great at motivating us to do well with his enthusiasm,” said India Rose Harris of the Vale Verde International School.
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