The 1980s classic play ‘Stepping Out’ will allow members of Marsden Parish Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society to tap into their talents for comic timing.

And for director Elaine Thomson, making her debut on the other side of the footlights, it will be a chance to show an entirely different set of skills to those she has used to entertain audiences over the past 25 years.

The show, which opens on May 13 at the Marsden Parochial Hall, chronicles several months in the life of a beginners’ tap dancing class, a vehicle for exploring the bitter sweet stories of each of the class members. The steps and routines, led by eternally-patient instructor Mavis, are the backdrop for the real focus of the play - the relationships and interactions of the 10 learner dancers.

For both Elaine and the society’s choreographer Christina Jagger the play is a familiar one, as they performed in one of the first-ever amateur productions of ‘Stepping Out’ back in 1986.

The dynamic duo, now working behind the scenes, have put together an experienced cast, including Cath Stevenson, a well-known musical director, as the formidable Mrs Fraser; Denise Tomlinson, a professional belly dancer, as Rose; Carl Morgan as the geeky Geoffrey; Sam Griffith as posh Vera; Tracy Rontree as Andy; Alison Thackwell as Sylvia; and Katie Hoyle as Lynne.

Tickets are available from Duncan Matley on 01484 845311.

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