Tattenhall's Got Talent

Your webteam Arts Correspondent has been roving recently, clocking up the miles to witness the wide range of talent Tattenhall has on offer!

On the opening night of A Midsummer Night's Dream, at the Vanburgh Theatre, King's School, Chester, local teenager Patrick Hudson exploded with energy in his role as Bottom. In the programme, the Director described Patrick as formidable – I found him exceptional!! Together with a spellbinding set, Year 9 student Chris Hatton (of Tattenhall) also added to the magical atmosphere together with the band of Fairies. Sixth-former Rebecca Hatton (also from Tattenhall) rose to the challenge of playing the the love-stuck Helena, who fell foul of the love potion of Oberon, the King of the Fairies. Throughout the majority of the play Helena commanded my complete sympathy, however Rebecca assured me that it was a fun role to play!
Tattenhall Amateur Dramatics regulars Alison Pritchard and Catherine Bryant have also been thrilling audiences this week at the Forum Studio Theatre, Chester. In a hilarious flash-back to the 90's, they play the long suffering Dorothy and Deborah in the memorable Men Behaving Badly. Three hilarious episodes of the iconic British sitcom were fast-paced, with 90's music and partying taking me right back to my mis-spent youth! The energetic performances from all cast members, together with brilliant technical touches and pure physical comedy, resulted in a great night out!

Jess Pritchard, currently studying at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, is also a long standing member of TADs, taking part in every January production since the age of 6, with but one exception.

This justified absence was due to Jess fulfilling her dream of playing the lead in a professional production, at the Unity Theatre, Liverpool. This February Jess played the character of Mimi in the TONY awardwinning (for best musical) show, Rent.

In the professional review by North West End Jess received this glowing review;
"One of the main cast members who really stood out was Jess Pritchard who played the character of Mimi, she possesses such a strong voice and such emotion in everything she says, she really connected with the character and I listened to every word she had to say. Such a brilliant character to be able to play, and it was played so well".

Jess' family were rendered speechless by her outstanding and convincing performance, the culmination of years of hardwork and sacrifice. Not a dry eye in the house!

Together with a visit to the NTLive production of the The Hangmen at the Royal Theatre, London (set in the Arts correspodent's hometown – slightly tenuous Tattenhall link there, but I'm on a roll), Roving Arts has recently been on a fantastic journey from the East side of New York, to a Fairie Forest, via a dodgy bedsit and the Hangman's noose, with tears of laughter and extreme sadness, love, loss and living in the moment, the wonderful language of Shakespeare and laddish jokes and beer guzzling!!

What a start to spring for Arts in Tattenhall!