PAUL Kirkbright and Ian Stephenson form the production team for the area premiere of the challenging Man of La Mancha which will be staged by St Philip's AODS in September.

They hope to repeat the great success they had with A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to the Forum last September.

The pair were comparative novices last year. It was Ian's first show as Musical Director and the first time Paul had directed a senior society production.

Paul said: "We've moved to the other end of the musical theatre spectrum. After working on a show which challenged the comedic skills of our performers, we're asking them to move the audience through a tragic story which, nevertheless, has a very uplifting message."

He explained that the staging of the show is quite unusual. The setting is a 16th century Spanish prison and the show is essentially a play within a play. The inmates of the prison act out the life of Don Quixote, using only props and acting skills to recreate the various locations.

"This means that the whole company is required to remain on stage at all times, which is certainly a test of concentration," he said.

Ian said the music is no less testing.

He explained: "The Spanish rhythms of the music combined with the 'storytelling' nature of the lyrics mean that both principals and company are finding the score an enjoyable challenge and a departure from more standard musicals."

Ian said he thought that audiences will be surprised to discover how many tunes they recognise. These include The Impossible Dream, The Man of La Mancha and Dulcinea.

The show will be performed at St Philip's Parochial Hall from September 23 to 26 and tickets my be obtained from Mrs Holt on on 01204 524800.

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