Previous Productions

Our first production as the Gillespie Theatre Group was a huge success as the children performed to a sell out audience at Alsager Civic Centre. This was an interesting and child-friendly retelling of the story of Oliver Twist (written by Andrew Alty) which included 14 named characters as well as 4 song/dance numbers which allowed all children in the Alsager group to showcase their talents. 

Our lead character was Bella Nixon who took on the role of Oliver with ease, despite being only 10 years old; she managed to learn dozens upon dozens of lines and was not offstage for a single moment of the play. Other large parts were that of Fagin brilliantly portrayed by Alec Sweeting - who had to become a wizened, old, money-grubbing man; Nancy played superbly by Lucy who showed the innocence but resilience of a defenceless damsel and Sykes played excellently by Poppy Senior who created the fear and intimidation we all know and love from such a villainous rogue. 

Of course; the show is nothing without the entire cast and with fabulous singers and dancers who make a show what it is. Our 6-8 group learned various scenes as well as dances for the 4 musical numbers we had in the show as well as being extremely convincing at multi-roling by portraying orphans as well as Fagin's gang. Similarly; all those in the older groups displayed characterisation beautifully of those who are beloved in the children's story - from Mr Brownlow (played by Rosie Robinson) to Bullseye (Sykes' dog) played by Jessica Watts. 

The show was loved by all members of the audience and it was a brilliant start as a first show for our group. 

The second production for the Gillespie Theatre Group was Peter Pan (an adaptation written by James Gillespie). 

This was an outstanding success as the children all took to their roles with ease and managed to create something truly wonderful.

Contrary to our previous show; this one allowed for all children to have a named role in the show which meant that everyone could showcase their projection; tone and accent (or physical theatre if their role didn't include speaking).

Taking the lead this time were three children who performed in the protagonist roles of Peter Pan; Wendy and Captain Hook. Amora Wheeler, who played Captain Hook, portrayed this part wonderfully well and her passion for stage combat allowed for some very well crafted and intricate fight scenes. Alec Sweeting - who played Peter Pan - brought a nuance to the role that only a child can bring which is the wondrous imagination and playful nature of such a youthful character. He played Pan brilliantly and, alongside Hook - battled fiercely through the use of physical theatre and stage combat. Millie Dyde (who played Wendy Darling) managed to take a simple, time-tested character and make it her own by showing a kindness and warmth in the character as well as performing a beautiful singing voice to lull the children to sleep. 

Similarly to Twist!; the show is nothing without an entire cast and all children were able to make outstanding contributions. From mermaids to pirates; all children were able to bring humour and depth to a traditional play. The audience loved the idea of various non-speaking roles such as TInkerbell; Nana and the Crocodile who all stole the show in their respective parts and the Lost boys (who were primarily girls) managed to show heart and innocence in all of their lines. 

The audience loved every second. 

This was a ground-breaking event for Gillespie Theatre Group as it was our first full-length musical (including an interval) with many musical numbers and a cast of approximately 38 young people. 

The story of Grace is as told in a series of flashbacks whilst behind the scenes at a local youth talent show. Grace is uncertain as to whether she can perform due to conflicts between herself and her step-Dad Marek. She adored her musically talented father (Sam) and aspired to be like him as shown through her actions and choices in life however when Sam dies, Grace's Mum remarries and Grace is left feeling miserable and alone. The choices she makes in life don't fit in with the family, school or society as a whole but she's battled through with the help of her closest friends but tonight is the crux. Will she follow her dreams for herself? Or follow convention for everyone else? 

This was an incredible performance by all involved!

The duality of Grace performed by Olivia Chadwick (Young Grace) and Daisy O'Sullivan (Older Grace) showed brilliant contrasting emotions with the moodiness brilliantly offset by our comedians and divas whilst the adults tried to show her the right path. 

I know you must be extremely confused, there was already a description of the musical Twist!

Well I've not made a mistake, this was a world's first (or at the very least a 'Staffordshire'-first') as it was Oliver Twist told by an entirely female cast in Kidsgrove. 

We had two best friends playing Oliver and Mr. Brownlow which allowed for the rescue of Oliver to be that much more endearing. 

The portrayal of Bill Sykes came across strongly with the full-pelt aggression of Amelia Barnett and the innocence portrayed by Sienna Macdonald provides a sweeter look at Dodger to allow us to believe redemption is possible. 

This was a sensational start for Kidsgrove with their first full length show!