Chesterfield College students stage Madness musical Our House

Performance arts students rom Chesterfield College are poised to go one step beyond their usual plays by staging a musical for the first time.
Performing arts students at Chesterfield College rehearsing their Madness musical, Our HousePerforming arts students at Chesterfield College rehearsing their Madness musical, Our House
Performing arts students at Chesterfield College rehearsing their Madness musical, Our House

Next week’s presentation of Our House will be the first time that the college has staged a full-length production at the Pomegranate Theatre.

The jukebox musical is packed with Madness songs and hits the Pomegranate on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17 and 18.

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A company of 45 includes students from the college’s second year BTec performing arts course in the cast and first-year students on the same course helping out with props, organising sets and costumes.

Performing arts students at Chesterfield College rehearsing their Madness musical, Our HousePerforming arts students at Chesterfield College rehearsing their Madness musical, Our House
Performing arts students at Chesterfield College rehearsing their Madness musical, Our House

Performance arts lecturer Kerry Dooley, who is directing Our House, said: “”This is their last show before going off to university and is a very special production for us.

“It has been very enjoyable working together. They are a professional ensemble that utilise every moment of their time to get the show together.”

Fellow lecturer Becky Langford, who is choreographing the production, said: “Our House is in the Guinness Book of Records for the most quick changes in a performance. It is a very technical show.

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“The students have really enjoyed the music, I think we have created some ska music fans.”

The story focuses on Joe Casey who attempts to impress his new date by breaking into a building, But when the police arrive his world is split down the middle - the good Joe who helps, the bad Joe who flees.

Jordan Stanbrook, 21, of Hurst Farm, Matlock, plays the lead character Joe and is on stage throughout. He said: “It is the first musical role that I have ever played; it is fun but extremely challenging and I get very hot. I am not worried about the dancing or singing but that am going to be dripping with sweat. “

His leading lady is Lucy Campbell, 17, of West Street, Eckington, who plays Joe’s girlfriend and aspiring lawyer Sarah. She said: “I always play boys - and Sarah is very different to anything I have ever done. She is really girly which I am not. Playing a 16-year-old who is emotional and finding life hard is difficult….I don’t remember being like that.

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“I love the show and I love how close we have become. A lot of people have come out of their shell so much.”

Performances of Our House take place at 2pm and 7pm on Tuesday and 7pm on Wednesday. Tickets £10; to book, contact www.chesterfieldvenues.co.uk or 01246 345222.