It's got the the stage where, unfortunately, I can't really afford to be catching a train to the West End on a regular basis to see the shows I really want to see. But you know something, that doesn't matter anymore...Essex has the most phenomenal 'Amateur' theatre scene you can imagine.
I use the term 'amateur' very loosely...the shows I have seen are amateur in the sense that the cast (I believe) do not get paid a penny to perform, but simply want to share their extreme talents and love for all things 'theatre'!
Let me digress slightly for a moment...
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Simon and Anthony were always the object of awe and wonder for the Jeffryes girls as we grew up (if I'm honest, they still are! We all love them both very much!). Hugely gorgeous and talented, singing and dancing like pros and just being damn lovely people, we often wondered why they weren't performing for sell out audiences in London's West End.
Anthony has a huge amount 'to do' with the London theatre scene, having worked in many of the theatres over the years and creating an awesome reputation for himself and being one of the West End's nicest, hardest working people.
Simon does something in insurance, which I am sure he is wonderful at, but the main reason I devote a whole section to these lovely men in my life is that Simon is the reason I now have an interested in local theatre.
I should probably also mention here that the aforementioned brothers were the stunning duo who sang at our wedding...oh, and they LOVE Jesus Christ Superstar...
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A few years back, Simon took a massive step and auditioned for the Little Theatre Company's production of JCS and to his surprise (not ours) he was cast in the title role. My word...what a stunning job he did. This opened my eyes to what local, 'amateur' theatre can be and since this show I have watched a huge number of local theatre groups take to the stage with their interpretation of a hit show.
Fast forward a few years and that will bring us to last night...
This time, Simon was cast in the role of Judas in the CAODS' production of JCS, so of course I booked tickets and found myself in a group booking of 21 youth leaders and young people, waiting in anticipation for the show to begin.
I won't go into detail...I am going to simply write a list of adjectives that can't even begin to sum up what I thought of the production...
astonishing
outstanding
moving
inspiring
unique
Need I say more...?
Simon - your performance was breathtaking. I could simply burst with pride at your success.
CAODS - the production was a triumph from start to finish (I have messaged you on FB in more detail with my gratitude).
What's the buzz, I hear you ask?
Local theatre...nothing amateur about it...full stop.