This weekend we were blessed with three truly outstanding performances of ‘Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks’, a play by Richard Alfieri. Despite early confusion, “I’d like to learn to dance, can I book tickets?..”, the audience turned out in their droves for the inaugural Small Stage Theatre production and boy did they get a treat!

The play ran from Thursday to Saturday and Director Paul Milton chose ‘Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks’ as a proof-of-concept to see if ‘Small Stage Theatre’ would work in the ever-increasingly versatile foyer. Friday’s sellout confirmed that!

Starring Anne Mortimer as the “tight-arsed old biddy” Lily Harrison and Ben Forrest as the acerbic gay dance instructor Michael Minetti, this proof-of-concept has set the bar so high for future ‘Small Stage Theatre’ productions which has now probably become a certainty.

Just some of the amazing comments received from our audience members:

“Anne and Ben were both fantastic to watch in Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks this evening! I’m so glad I got to see this show. Some very funny lines artfully delivered and the moments of pathos were handled with real sensitivity. Brilliant performances!”

“All I can say is ‘wow’. Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks – absolutely incredible. The performances by Ben and Anne are phenomenal, truly phenomenal. I’m blown away.”

“Tonight’s production of “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” was simply fantastic, probably the best thing I’ve seen at Tower. Obviously, and rightly so, Ben and Anne should take massive praise for their performances but congratulations should also go to Paul Milton for finding the incredible script and directing these two FHODs stalwarts so sublimely. He should also take credit for the innovation of the “studio” setting in the bar – the intimacy only added to the intensity of the show.”

“Absolutely loved Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks. Well done to the cast, crew and director. A fabulous start to the Small Stage Productions. Beautifully directed.”

“Huge congratulations to everyone involved with ‘Six dance lessons…’ excellent performances and wonderful dancing! We really enjoyed it.”

“We loved it. The intimate setting added to the excellent acting and great set. Well done to everyone involved.”

“That was divine. Ben and Anne were superb and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. More of these small stage productions please.”

 

Huge thanks yous must go to the following people who all played a part in making the three evenings truly exceptional:

Ben Forrest as Michael Minetti
Anne Mortimer as Lily Harrison

Paul Milton – Director
Sam Burgess – Producer
Sophie Burgess-Adams – Choreographer
Owen Wilshire – Stage Manager
Myra Collingridge – Props
Hannah Manton – Crew
Caroline Dowling – Prompt
Denise and David Lewis – Costumes
Robert White – Lighting, Sound & Set Design
David “Shax” Shackle – Photographer

Very special thanks to Maggie and Geoff Forrest and Steve Hawkins.

For The Tower Theatre

Michelle Hartley – Events & Marketing Manager
Gary Ingoldby-Spate – Duty Manager (FOH and Bar)
Robert White – Technical Theatre Manager

Next up

The next FHODS performance is Disney’s Beauty and the Beast which begins on Friday 28th June and culminates in the ever-popular sing-along performance on Sunday 7th July. To book your tickets for the main performances click here. For the sing-along performance click here.

 

Volunteers

None of our productions, and indeed the running of the theatre itself, would be possible without our dedicated team of volunteers. They each give up their time to support the theatre in many different ways, from front of house and bar to backstage, set construction, wardrobe, wigs, props, maintenance, archives and many other areas of the theatre. We are eternally grateful to each and every volunteer for their selfless determination to help us succeed. If you would like to join us as a volunteer please click here. Thank you.

Become a Member

Joining as a full Active or Youth member allows you to take part in our productions on and off the stage. If you do not wish to be a part of a production, but like to support local theatre you can do so by becoming a Friend of FHODS! By becoming a member or friend of FHODS, your money will be going towards the continued maintenance and upkeep of our amazing Grade II listed building. Your support will help us to protect and preserve the organisation for you and future generations to enjoy for years to come. Click here for more information.