Stage Stars Wanted for a Revival of Carrots

MORE young stage stars are being sought for a musical revival.

Carrots tells the true story of John Somers, an 11-year-old homeless boy in Victorian England who helped shape the philosophy for worldwide children’s charity Barnardo’s.

Written by former Stokesley head teacher, Peter Can well, the musical was staged professionally just once in 1978 at Billingham Forum.

Now London-based PMA Productions wants to resurrect it. Auditions have already revealed some top talent and producers are well on the way to finding their dream cast. A second round of auditions is taking place this Sunday at Stockton’s Heritage Dance Studios.

Children aged eight to 14 are welcome.

The musical will run at Richmond Georgian Theatre in August and Billingham Forum Theatre in February.

John Somers was turned away from Dr Thomas Barnardo’s orphanage in the 1860s and two days later died of malnutrition and exposure. A devastated Dr Barnardo vowed never to turn away a destitute child again. The boy was nicknamed Carrots because of his red hair.

MD of PMA Productions, George Critchley, said “This is a fantastic chance to be in a professional production. We are looking for either a boy or a girl lead, and they don’t have to be a natural red-head because we can use a wig. We’d like to see a few more boys attending.”

Audition hopefuls should arrive at the Prince Regent Street studio at 1.30pm for a 2pm start. To pre-register, go to www.pmaproductions.co.uk and email georgepma1@aol.com

(c) 2008 Evening Gazette – Middlesbrough. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.