NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR
It has long been a desire of mine to once again start my own company and Operama is the culmination of many hours of endless decisions as to whether to not only create something new but if it could possibly survive in these times.
The idea behind the company was to give to the local community the chance to see productions of both music and drama very rarely seen outside the West End or Broadway, lost musicals and small cast dramas very rarely produced by most Amatuer Companies due to their size of membership, and also to give the actors a chance to push themselves and perform works that they themselves may never get the chance to perform.
Working as a theatre 'company' together rather than a seperate chorus and principles, Grand Hotel offers this opportunity, it is a new way of performing becoming more and more popular with many of the theatre houses in the larger cities such as Southwark Playhouse, the Mernier Chocolate Factory and West Yorkshire Playhouse where professional companies cannot afford the luxury of huge casts anymore.
There are so many people to thank for helping me get this company of the ground, Anne and Dave Stevenson who together help to keep me grounded and offer huge amounts of support; Janis Reagan from St Mary Breddin Church for the use of their hall; Becca, Jake, Hilda and Carys from The Gulbenkian for their help and assistance; Paul Gostling and Abi Staker for pulling the music and dance together for this show and most of all my amazing cast who have worked hard to bring the show to life, coming to terms with playing numerous parts in one costume.
Grand Hotel is the first of what I hope will be many opportunities for both audiences and performers to experience something new and I do hope you will enjoy the performance this evening.
If you love the theatre and like the idea of not constantly seeing the old standards then please tell your friends and family about the group and what we are doing. We are only as successful as the audiences that come to see the shows and help support our work.
Stephen Cresswell
Artistic Director
