Stage 2 set to have a ball

Aug 15 2008 Amateur Stage By John Slim

BIRMINGHAM youth group Stage 2 plans to celebrate its 20th birthday in style – with a ball that includes entertainment provided by current and former members, including some who are now professionals.

There will be food and speeches as well, as this top-quality group recognises its significant landmark on Saturday, September 13, by linking up with past members as well as families and friends who have always been supportive of its impressive endeavours under inspirational director Liz Light.

The venue will be the County Ground, Edgbaston, with a 7pm for 7.30 pm start. The celebrations will continue until 1 am, with an optional collection time of 11 pm for the younger participants.

n ALSO planning celebrations is the Crescent Theatre. In conjunction with Dick Barton, Special Agent, the first production of its forthcoming season, which opens on Saturday, September 13, Birmingham’s canalside venue is holding a meet-the-cast party two nights later for invited guests.

Keith Harris, who describes the show as “slick and wicked”, is designing the sets and the graphics-based background for the show, as well as directing.

It is something of a reunion for Keith, his wife Annie, and four other husband-and-wife members of the cast and backstage crew – Tony and Angie Daniels and Alan and Jeanette Marshall. They all worked together 25 years ago on Chicago and this is the first production since then that has found them all involved.

Dick Barton runs from September 13-20.

* E-mail Amateur Stage news to johnslim47@aol.com.