Dancing in the streets

Christmas shoppers were treated to a rousing performance in December when youth group Fusion took to the streets in the town centre.

The performance included song and dance numbers from Hair and Fame, to celebrate the success of the two shows they had staged recently at the Gordon Craig Theatre.

This rendition followed a glamorous awards night on 26 November. The young performers dished out 36 Oscar-style awards including best actor, dancer and singer. They also put on an exclusive performance for the sell-out audience.

Fusion Community Theatre Arts is a community theatre company, staffed by professional performers/teachers from the theatre industry. The company is proud to be backed by a management team of young people who make major decisions in how it is run. It gives 11 – 25 year olds a chance to take part in all aspects of theatre from singing, dancing and acting to working behind the scenes. They produce one major musical at the Gordon Craig each year as well as smaller projects like drama festivals.

The company has been running for ten years now and has an excellent reputation. They meet at the Bowes Lyon Centre, Stevenage on Tuesday evenings from 6.00pm – 8.30pm.

Executive Councillor for Community and Culture Sue Myson said: “As a community leader the Council is always keen to encourage young people to get involved in arts and culture. Fusion Performing Arts Company put on some excellent performances and I congratulate them on another successful year."

Artistic Director Sarah Ellis said: “Fusion’s next major show will be Parade, our most ambitious project yet. We are proud to be one of the first companies in England to perform this ground-breaking show which has only just left Broadway in a flurry of awards. We are so excited to be on the cutting edge of theatre.”

Parade will be performed as part of the Stevenage Festival on 30 June and 1 July at the Gordon Craig Theatre. Auditions are on 10 January and are open to anyone aged 11 - 25. The show has particularly good parts for black male performers aged 15 and over.

For more information contact Sarah Ellis on 01438 219400 or email sarah@fusionperformancearts.com

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For press enquiries contact Joanna Roskilly, Corporate Communications on 01438 242300.

For further comment contact Executive Councillor for Community and Culture Sue Myson on 01438 721895.

For political comment:

Labour Bruce Jackson 01438 350323

Liberal Democrat Robin Parker 01438 724746

Conservative Graham Clark 01438 360538