THEATRE GROUP SET FOR LONDON DEBUT

by KEITH BULL – The Burton Mail - 7th January 2008

A THEATRE company formed will a little help from the Mail is set for a one off appearance in London's West End Utopian Artists Ltd, formed by Willington's Robert Scott and Swadlincote's Luci Fitzpatrick, will be taking Moonlit Sky to the capital on July 27.

The play tells the story of a man 'paralysed with grief' over the death of his parents and his road to recovery. The audience can hear his troubles - but other characters cannot.

Mr Scott, who co-formed The Real Music Club in Willington, is financing the play himself and, after making enquiries, was given the green light to showcase the production in London. Around 30 actors and actresses aged 16 to 24 are being sought to perform the play, which will be rehearsed in and around Burton.

Mr Scott said: "It is really good news for us and is something we have aspired towards."

People can send audition forms via www.utopianartists.co.uk or www.robertscottmusic.co.uk.

The news has come as a massive boost for the partners, who met after The Mail publicised Mr Scott's musical production Dolterris in November, 2006. Luci was one of the first to audition for a part - and the pair found an "instant connection". 

Mr Scott said: "Without the help of The Burton Mail and the article you wrote, not only would the show not have gone ahead, but I would not have met Luci. It is incredible we are now writing a musical to be performed as a one off in the West End. Luci was one of the first people to see the first article The Mail wrote for me and sent an audition form that night. We instantly found a connection and later formed the company."

The duo's first show together, called The Truth Of A Lie, will be shown at Burton's Brewhouse arts centre from February 20 to 23.The story is set in present day Britain where Alex Cain (played by Paul Syrstad) wakes up to find his ex-girlfriend Candice murdered on the floor. His shirt has blood on it and he has a gun in his hand with no memory of the night. Startled by the arrival of the police, he runs, resulting in him shooting Detective Inspector Stanley Watkins, played by Saul Matlock, in the leg. The show is aimed at leaving the audience unsure of whether Alex killed his ex-partner.

Tickets, which are priced £7 for adults and £6 for children, are available from the Brewhouse box office on 01283 508100. The show will start at 8pm on each day.

BACK