1 January 2011

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

ONE of East Grinstead’s most talented and popular theatre groups is looking to expand its membership during 2011.

The Friends, whose sellout panto at Chequer Mead every year is the best outside London, is a semi-professional, non-profit theatre group.

But they need fresh blood and new talent to ensure they remain at the top of their game.

Rehearsals are just 6 weeks so anyone interested in performing should keep an eye out for details of their open auditions on www.theatrefriends.com.

Cast members pay a subscription of just £30 a show, a bargain price for all the fun involved, not to mention the opportunity to work with experienced directors, choreographers, musical directors, musicians and stage managers.

But the Friends are also looking for backstage crew, so anyone over 16 who is thinking about making technical theatre or stage management a career, should consider them a real stepping stone on the path to working in professional theatre.