FOLLOWING their successful landmark show, members of the Severalls Performing Group are back once again doing what they do best.
Originally called the Severalls Hospital Concert Group, the troupe was formed by a group of bored hospital staff in 1958 who wanted to put on a variety show for the patients at Severalls Hospital.
After a number of moves, the group finally settled on Alderman Blaxhill school, but with that venue lined-up for closure, the group may be looking for a new home.
With creative director Maria Miller at the helm, the cast of more than 50 rehearse at the Rayner Road Scout Hut and perform two shows a year at the Shrub End school.
But while the school’s fate looks in doubt, the Severalls Group is the complete opposite, with more members than ever and an age range that starts at five and goes up to a sprightly 84, the age of its oldest member, Bill Cole.
The group’s autumn show was Christmas with the Rat Pack, a production jam-packed with musical numbers made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin.
And for their spring offering it’s Masterpiece of Musicals, another song and dance extravaganza with hits from such West End favourites as Hairspray, Les Miserables, Oliver and Mama Mia.
It runs this week at the Alderman Blaxill School in Colchester tomorrow and Saturday, with performances at 7.30pm each night and an extra show at 2.30pm on Saturday.
Tickets are £8 and £6 for children and pensioners, available by calling 01206 512228 or on the doors on the day of the performance.
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