Thank you for the music, Thespians!

RAVE ON: Batley Amateur Thespian Society's Centenary show featured numbers from hit musicals.

Last week I had the privilege of joining its talented cast for The Magic of Musicals at Batley Town Hall – an action-packed show with hit numbers from much-loved musicals including Chicago, Moulin Rouge, The Lion King and The Blues Brothers.

Show week was certainly an experience I won’t forget – after months of rehearsals the show exploded onto the stage and we got to see all our hard work pay off.

The atmosphere back stage was buzzing and brilliantly supportive – any last minute nerves or worries were met with words of encouragement and a friendly smile.

And I got to see first hand just how much work goes into a show like this – and how dedicated, talented and passionate the society is.

We were lucky to have some brilliant audiences, lots of applause and even some laughter – and I can’t begin to describe the adrenaline rush that begins in the opening number and stays with you all the way through to ‘stealing your final bow’, as the song goes!

And thanks to the genorosity of our audiences, I also raised £165 for the Reporter Series Fund – the icing on the cake in what has been a truly wonderful adventure.

The Thespians made me feel so welcome, right from the start of rehearsals in July – and I must say a big thank you to Chris Sheard for the initial invitation and his support throughout.

I’d also like to congratulate the society on 100 years of dazzling performances – and I have every intention of returning for next year’s show.