Church members prepare for big show

Want to buy this photo?

The cast of Oliver!

The congregation of Bamford Chapel have transformed into the cast of Oliver! and today (Sunday 23 January 2011) they were putting the final touches to the musical which they have been preparing for months.

The cast started rehearsals in May last year and in just two weeks time their hard work, dedication and talent will be on show to the people of Rochdale.

Over 100 people are involved in the performance, both on stage and off stage, as part of a bid to get more people involved in the Church.

The show is under the direction of Clair Gooding and Steven Gooding.

The pair put on a show just for children in the past and decided one of the ways they could get everyone together would be by putting on a musical for the community.

“We want people who don’t know who we are or what we do to see what we are about,” said Ms Gooding.

Ms Gooding, herself a church member, said: “It’s all about having fun and it is really lovely to have all these people together.

“We needed a show that had a big cast, we have got 24 young people involved, and we also needed a big chorus for the adults. We chose Oliver! because it can hold a lot of people.”

The cast have been rehearsing every Sunday afternoon. Ms Gooding said: “They are really dedicated and talented people.

“The scenery and the costumes have all been done by the church. Everything is totally in house.”

Oliver will be performed at the Chapel on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 February. The Saturday night show is already completely sold out.

Ms Gooding added: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved. We couldn’t have done it without them – it wouldn’t have worked without them.

“The budget is tight and we have been totally dependent on sponsors so I’d like to say thank you to all the people who have sponsored us.”

Tickets are available from Angela and John Hall on 01706 715193.