Stage

EVER fancied treading the boards, but you’re not too keen on months of rehearsals? Maybe you’d love to get behind the scenes and light a stage or build an elaborate set, but you don’t quite have the time? In that case, the 24 Hour Show is the event for you!

Now in it’s fifth year at Bradford Playhouse, the 24-hour challenge sees a group of about 50 participants gather on a Friday night - this year it’s October 18 - with just 24 hours to put on a show. And they won’t know what that show is until 7.30pm that day...

Then the hard work begins. There are auditions for a cast, and a backstage and creative team is put together. Costumes are made, dance routines are rehearsed, props are acquired, lines are learned (or written on props to be taken on stage...) and it all continues throughout the night, with Playhouse staff on hand to ensure that no-one gets too tired and lay on a cooked breakfast as Saturday dawns.

As the hours tick by, the pace quickens. Rehearsals continue through the night and into the day, sets are built, lights are hung, sound is tested, all building up to the show itsel, on Saturday, October 19 at 7.30pm.

Ric Neild, a past participator and director of the challenge, says “I remember my first 24 Hour Show back in 2000 at Theatre In The Mill. I’d been dragged along by a friend and didn’t know what to expect, but there I was building a two-dimensional clown car out of plywood at 3am. I was starstruck by a regional news presenter who was in the cast. From that moment, I knew theatre was the place for me. Within a couple of years, I’d tried my hand at acting, and I’ve been part of the production team many times since. There’s no other experience like it, everyone is so welcoming. It’s not about perfection, it’s about giving it a try. I’d encourage anyone to try it at least once.”

Anyone interested in taking part, go to Bradford Playhouse, Chapel Street, Little Germany, on Friday, October 18 at 7.30pm.