Bugsy Malone
Allstarz Academy
Belfairs Academy, Leigh on Sea
30-31st October with Saturday matinee on 31st October 2015
Allstarz Academy
Belfairs Academy, Leigh on Sea
30-31st October with Saturday matinee on 31st October 2015
Patrick Smith as Bugsy and Holly Fitzgerald as Blousey
Allstarz Academy will be delighting audiences this week with their production of Bugsy Malone. Always a favourite with children and adults alike, this production looks like it is well on its way to fulfilling all who come to see it’s expectations. Michelle Taylor, who is Principal of the Academy which was formed in February this year, along with Natalie Harrison and Mel Carnaby, tells me, “Bugsy Malone is a show so close to my heart, I’ve been lucky enough to be in the production four times; once as ensemble and three times as Blousey Brown.” Michelle, who is also directing the show, goes on to say, “It is such a brilliant, feel good kids show and we have a great cast of local talented children. I have tried to direct this show a little differently, keeping focus on the talent involved and showcasing their abilities and also creating great effects.”
Michelle, 38, is certainly very passionate about the children and the Academy. After opening her own theatre school in 2004 and running it for 6 successful years, putting on productions such as High School Musical, Honk, Wizard of Oz as well as pantomimes, she had to make the heartbreaking decision to shut the school down after the sudden death of her beloved father. “The unexpecting passing of my dear dad put a lot of stress and pressure on me and it was with much regret that I had to close the school in 2010. It was the biggest and hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life, as the school and the students were like an extended family to me,” she says. On a lighter note, she continues, “I was lucky enough to see many of my former students spread their wings and go on to further training at professional colleges and some of them are now working in the industry as professionals.”
Allstarz Academy’s students are currently between the ages of 6-15 years old and Michelle says that they do not hold auditions to join. “We want to encourage children to come along whether they have had an experience or not. It’s not just about learning skills in the arts but also to gain life skills, such as confidence building and making new friends. It’s great to see how the older ones really encourage and help the younger ones.”
Michelle, 38, is certainly very passionate about the children and the Academy. After opening her own theatre school in 2004 and running it for 6 successful years, putting on productions such as High School Musical, Honk, Wizard of Oz as well as pantomimes, she had to make the heartbreaking decision to shut the school down after the sudden death of her beloved father. “The unexpecting passing of my dear dad put a lot of stress and pressure on me and it was with much regret that I had to close the school in 2010. It was the biggest and hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life, as the school and the students were like an extended family to me,” she says. On a lighter note, she continues, “I was lucky enough to see many of my former students spread their wings and go on to further training at professional colleges and some of them are now working in the industry as professionals.”
Allstarz Academy’s students are currently between the ages of 6-15 years old and Michelle says that they do not hold auditions to join. “We want to encourage children to come along whether they have had an experience or not. It’s not just about learning skills in the arts but also to gain life skills, such as confidence building and making new friends. It’s great to see how the older ones really encourage and help the younger ones.”
Michelle, centre front, with fellow staff and the children of Allstarz Academy's production of Bugsy Malone
Michelle herself is no stranger to performing. She started dancing with the Pamela Freedman School of Dance and then went on to Whitehall from where she graduated from their Performing Arts College having trained in all aspects of performing arts. “It was a great time in my life and where I was lucky enough to meet one of my best friends, winner of Joseph and Casualty star Mr Lee Mead.”
It is clear that Michelle has a strong work ethic and she is proud to say that she has never been out of work since she was 17 years old. Starting her professional career at Butlins as a redcoat and then going on to dance regularly with touring cabaret shows, tribute bands such as The Spice Girls, as Baby Spice, and Allsaints, as Nicola Appleton. She has also done many pantomimes over the years, commercials and tv work including Bad Girls, The Bill and Eastenders. Her film work includes Charlie and the Chocolate Factory starring Johnny Depp as well as many short films and various music videos for the likes of Geri Halliwell, Simon Webb and S-Club 7. She then went to work at Disneyland Paris for two years before coming home and teaching for various dance and theatre schools as a freelance teacher and choreographer.
The Academy’s classes are held every Saturday, comprising a 3 hour session of singing, dancing and musical theatre/drama. The Academy also offers LAMDA and IDTA exams as well as a high standard of training in a fun environment in their fully equipped studios.
Michelle tells me enthusiastically, “We have so many exciting things lined up with the Academy, our first being the open launch day on Saturday 7th November. We have many performance opportunities for our students with lots of guest industry professionals lined up. There will be master classes which will provide students with plenty of skills and knowledge; and our agency has great castings coming in on a daily basis for West End musicals, feature films, commercials, music videos, stills photography and much more.” “As a team we are very excited for what the future holds and as a Performing Arts Academy desire to help young budding performers achieve their dreams and goals.”
The children have been rehearsing hard for 8 weeks now every Sunday and Michelle is convinced that all the hard work the children have put in will be worth it. They already have one show sold out on the Saturday evening, which Michelle says, “is fantastic!” There are still tickets available for the Friday and Saturday Matinee, £10 children and OAP and £12 adults. They also offer a family ticket for £40 please contact Linda on 01702 341410 / 07796341568 if you would like to see the show.
Visit www.allstarzacademy.net for further details.
Photo Credit: Stephen Hawke
It is clear that Michelle has a strong work ethic and she is proud to say that she has never been out of work since she was 17 years old. Starting her professional career at Butlins as a redcoat and then going on to dance regularly with touring cabaret shows, tribute bands such as The Spice Girls, as Baby Spice, and Allsaints, as Nicola Appleton. She has also done many pantomimes over the years, commercials and tv work including Bad Girls, The Bill and Eastenders. Her film work includes Charlie and the Chocolate Factory starring Johnny Depp as well as many short films and various music videos for the likes of Geri Halliwell, Simon Webb and S-Club 7. She then went to work at Disneyland Paris for two years before coming home and teaching for various dance and theatre schools as a freelance teacher and choreographer.
The Academy’s classes are held every Saturday, comprising a 3 hour session of singing, dancing and musical theatre/drama. The Academy also offers LAMDA and IDTA exams as well as a high standard of training in a fun environment in their fully equipped studios.
Michelle tells me enthusiastically, “We have so many exciting things lined up with the Academy, our first being the open launch day on Saturday 7th November. We have many performance opportunities for our students with lots of guest industry professionals lined up. There will be master classes which will provide students with plenty of skills and knowledge; and our agency has great castings coming in on a daily basis for West End musicals, feature films, commercials, music videos, stills photography and much more.” “As a team we are very excited for what the future holds and as a Performing Arts Academy desire to help young budding performers achieve their dreams and goals.”
The children have been rehearsing hard for 8 weeks now every Sunday and Michelle is convinced that all the hard work the children have put in will be worth it. They already have one show sold out on the Saturday evening, which Michelle says, “is fantastic!” There are still tickets available for the Friday and Saturday Matinee, £10 children and OAP and £12 adults. They also offer a family ticket for £40 please contact Linda on 01702 341410 / 07796341568 if you would like to see the show.
Visit www.allstarzacademy.net for further details.
Photo Credit: Stephen Hawke