It’s that time of year again, where a huge cast of 26 join together to create an evening of fantastic musical entertainment. After two years of performing in the show, it was announced in 2014 that Ed Jones and I would be co-directing the mammoth project for its latest outing. Needless to say it was a touching decision to be trusted with such a popular show. Alongside the wonderful Megan Forbes (who completes a hat-trick with this being her third time in the Musical Director seat), our choreographer Steph Pennells and her assistant Sam Hind (and not forgetting our trusty production manager Lucas Burt!) we have been working hard for the past four weeks to make this year bigger and better than ever.

Since Cabaret is the only musical theatre event on the Minotaur calendar, expectations are high for opening night. We can assure everyone they will not be disappointed; the commitment and talent of the cast is overwhelming. As I write this, we are watching our work come together into the finished product and we couldn’t be more excited.

As a team, we can genuinely say it has been, and will continue to be, a pleasure to be creatively responsible for the piece and we promise this show will leave you with a spring in your step and a tune on your lips. You’d be mad to miss it! This year the show is raising money for two incredibly deserving causes.

Firstly Action Against Cancer which funds the development of cures for cancer at Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, led by world-renowned oncologist, Professor Justin Stebbing. Its team is committed to developing new diagnostics and treatments to improve the survival prospects and quality of life for millions of cancer sufferers worldwide.

We are also supporting Blue Apple Theatre, a performance charity based in Hampshire which for the last ten years has used the skills and enhanced confidence gained through performing on stage as an opportunity for raising the ceiling of expectation for people with learning disabilities. They work to help their members achieve their social, personal and theatrical potential through the challenge of appearing on stage in public performance with the aim of changing public and professional perceptions and attitudes. The group relies on the excellent work of a team of volunteers and all donations will help give new opportunities to its staff and members.

To find out more about either of these worthwhile charities visit:

www.aacancer.org and www.blueappletheatre.hampshire.org.uk.

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