Festival favourites return in a day of variety and creativity
Ensemble Theatre took to the stage at Denton’s Hope Church hall on Sunday to showcase some of its latest productions.
The afternoon and evening performances featured dance, live music and three one-act plays recently presented as part of Glossop’s Partington One Act Play Festival.
The festival enjoyed another successful run, providing an opportunity to spotlight new works by both emerging and established writers, while giving performers of all ages and experience the chance to step into the theatrical arena.
Ensemble’s trio of productions were entitled Face Your Fears, Empty Nest and The Work Force.
Face Your Fears featured members of the youth group, while the other two productions brought together performers aged from eight years to over 80, incorporating members of Ensemble’s men’s, women’s and youth sections.
Face Your Fears proved particularly timely, especially following this week’s announcement of the proposed government social media ban for teenagers. The piece explored the many anxieties and pressures faced by young people in an increasingly connected, social media-driven world.
ENTERTAINING COMEDY: Empty Nest explored relationships between friends and family.
Empty Nest was an entertaining comedy and anything but empty as old friends reunited to reminisce before being joined by a colourful cast of neighbours and relatives in a humorous exploration of friendships, family ties and relationships.
Meanwhile, The Work Force examined professional and personal relationships in a factory and office setting, tackling issues including workplace bullying, management structures and the challenges of working life.
WORKING IT OUT: The Work Force.
All three productions were written by Ensemble Theatre Director and founder Janet Fagan, while actors Simon Turner and Sienna Rathbone received awards for their performances in the productions at the Partington One Act Play Festival.
Sunday’s entertaining showcase also included a performance of Consider Yourself from the hit musical Oliver! by younger members of the Ensemble Stars, alongside an additional dance routine and live music from Simon Turner and Mike Riley.
Sienna delivered a standout performance with a selection of songs from the musicals, while members of the men’s Merry Crew rounded off proceedings with a lively medley of singalong favourites.
MERRY MEDLEY: The Merry Crew.
The result was a varied and thoroughly enjoyable programme, offering something for all ages and ensuring a full day of entertainment.
Special thanks go to Matthew Kayes, Ste Taylor, Graham Powell and Dave Robson for their continued support with lighting, sound and technical production.
You can find out more about Ensemble Theatre on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Review by Nigel Skinner
TAKE TO THE STAGE: New members of all ages are welcome to join the Ensemble Theatre team.
