Cast of Anastasia relaxing.
A musical based on the hit film Anastasia is set to take theatre goers on a journey of self-discovery when it glides across the stage this week.
The show is taking place at Conservatoire EAST in the grounds of West Suffolk College between 15-18 May 2024.
All performances start at 7.30pm apart from a matinee on Saturday 18 May that commences at 2.30pm – the show is for those aged 12 and over.
The story follows a young woman called Anya who has amnesia. She travels across Europe with a slew of savoury and unsavoury characters in search of her true destiny, believing that she has some connection to royalty.
Performed by acting and musical students who are being trained at the college, this production – that runs for just over two hours (with an interval) - will be the last show as a student in Bury for some members of this acting troupe.
After this – many of the cast will be heading off to drama school where they will be hoping to tread the boards and follow in the footsteps of former West Suffolk College student Tom Francis - who won an Olivier award this year for his performance in Sunset Boulevard.
Co-director of the show – Lottie Pook – is a lecturer in acting at Conservatoire East and believes that the audience is in for a treat.
Lottie said: “Our show is an interesting re-telling of an historical story with a theatrical twist, the songs are brilliant, there are loads of dance numbers and it’s going to be really really good.
“The students have done an amazing job.
“Ten of our current students have got top places at drama schools from our current group so this is a great chance to see the stars of tomorrow today.”
Oliver Jenkins, 18, from Manningtree is also on a level 3 musical theatre course. Oliver said: “I play the love interest in this classic story relating to a princess and a poor boy.”
Masha Skinner, 18, from Bury St Edmunds is on a level 3 musical theatre course. Masha said: “I think people should come and see it as the music is amazing and it is a moving, fun and enjoyable.”