GEORGE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - Over the years many spectacular shows have been staged by the George Society of Arts, but most people will remember the "razzles and dazzles" that Edwina Rapley used to produce.
When asked about her favourite theatre memory, she fondly remembers arriving in George in May 2004 when she was introduced to Denise Swanepoel, who was the theatre manager at that stage.
Denise asked her if she'd like to direct and produce a concert for the theatre members' month end shows, saying, "They usually get about 40 in the audience".
Edwina agreed but with the understanding that the show would have to be on her terms, so she got a small company of nine people together and rehearsed hard during September and October in the style of musical theatre she was used to in the UK. After much publicity and some new costumes, Thank You for the Music was performed on 29 October 2004 to a theatre audience 189 strong.
She directed a number of sold-out musicals after that but eventually decided to retire in St Helena with her husband.
This October, the George Society of Arts will be putting on a show à la Edwina with some spectacular songs from well-known musicals. Auditions for Variété! Variété! will take place on 12, 13 and 14 March.
For more information, phone the Theatre on 044 874 3142.
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