Amateurs learn to put on show

In the latest magical production at Curve theatre, it will not be just the characters embarking on an adventure.

The 85-strong cast and crew – all from the region – will be experiencing the nerves and excitement of their first major production together.

In three months, many will have gone from little or no stage experience to being part of a major theatre production.

Part one of His Dark Materials, based on the books by bestselling children's author Philip Pullman, opens at the Leicester theatre next month.

It will be the first production at Curve in which performers, technicians, designers, wardrobe assistants and others are amateurs.

Working alongside the theatre's professional creative team, the 56 actors and 29 backstage crew are spending 12 weeks rehearsing, building sets and learning the ropes of putting on a production in front of an audience of 800.

Adel Al Salloum, Curve's associate director, said despite the lack of experience no concessions had been made.

She said: "We have worked on this in the same way we would work on any show.

"We set the bar quite high and I have been quite mean in terms of keeping to the schedule, but I think that helps people appreciate the opportunity.

"I have expected a lot and we have got a lot back."

Nearly 200 people applied for roles in the show last year.

A series of workshops, meetings and auditions took place to whittle down the number before rehearsals began in April.

The lead role of Lyra Belaqua has gone to 21-year-old Lauren Sulley, a drama student at De Montfort University.

She said: "Yes, it is ambitious, but we have thrown ourselves in at the deep end.

"The bigger the challenge, the more everyone will get out of it."

Among the crew members are Hasmita Chavda, from Belgrave, and Ellie Powell, from Western Park.

Hasmita, 18, has taken on the role of marketing assistant, working behind the scenes to promote the show.

She has been responsible for producing a short radio advert and spoken at two publicity events.

She said: "I never imagined this was possible.

"We were not expected to be the best, just to bring enthusiasm and commitment to the table.

"It has been a fantastic experience learning about theatre and marketing and there has been a lot of support from the staff."

Ellie, 14, the archive and programme photographer, said: "I never really thought I would be doing anything like this.

"I am really proud of what I have achieved so far and I am looking forward to seeing the finished programme.

"I might not have come to Curve if I had not got involved with this project."

The show runs from Monday, July 13, to Saturday, July 18.