Edge Hill University students are set to bring their musical theatre production, 'This Is the Moment,' directly to the community with a special showcase at Ormskirk Parish Church. The town will resonate with the vibrant sounds of musical theatre as students from the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre programme deliver a celebration of the genre, accompanied by a full live orchestra. The performance is scheduled for Friday, May 1, starting at 7.30pm.
Continuing a Tradition of Community Engagement
Following the success of December's sold-out Christmas carol concert, this highly anticipated event underscores the University's ongoing commitment to connecting with local audiences through exceptional live performances. Nicholas Sanders, programme leader for Musical Theatre at Edge Hill University, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming show.
He stated: "After the incredible response to last year's Christmas Concert, we are thrilled to return to Ormskirk with another community-focused event. 'This Is the Moment' aims to share the power and emotional impact of musical theatre in its fullest form, featuring a live orchestra and a company of exceptional emerging performers. It also celebrates the strong bond between our students and the community we are proud to be part of."
Iconic Songs in a Striking Setting
Audiences can look forward to a programme of iconic musical theatre songs, with Ormskirk Parish Church providing a dramatic and acoustically rich backdrop. This historic venue is expected to enhance the full sound and visual spectacle of the production, offering a unique experience for attendees.
The showcase features an all-female cast of nine final-year musical theatre students, representing the entire graduating class. These performers have dedicated months to preparing for this landmark event, which serves as a culmination of their studies.
Student Perspectives on the Performance
Jennifer Wren, a third-year Musical Theatre student, shared her thoughts: "This show feels like the ultimate finale; the past three years have all led to this moment. My growth at Edge Hill has been phenomenal, extending beyond just this past year. With the songs I've been assigned, I feel both challenged and empowered to showcase everything I've learned, not only as an individual performer but as part of this entire class."
Reflecting on the venue, third-year performer Ria Marbeck added: "It's fantastic to perform for the local community in a new way. While the campus theatres are excellent, stepping into a historic space like the parish church is a brilliant experience. The church's scale is much larger than a traditional theatre, so performing to a big audience in such a different atmosphere will be a real highlight of the year."
A Night of Musical Storytelling
'This Is the Moment' promises an evening of musical storytelling at its finest, blending powerful performances with community spirit. Given the strong interest anticipated, attendees are encouraged to secure their free tickets promptly to avoid disappointment.
