ANGUSalive’s Theatre Star School Takes Centre Stage with Madagascar Jr the Musical

ANGUSalive’s Theatre Star School made its big debut on Saturday 3 February at the Webster Memorial Theatre, as it unveiled its inaugural production: Madagascar Jnr the Musical.

Based on the hit animated feature that stars Ben Stiller, Chris Rock and Jada Pinkett Smith, the young cast wowed over 300 people in attendance as they chuckled away and sung along to some of the movies songs.

Theatre Star School was launched last April in Arbroath, offering professionally delivered singing, acting and dance classes. The school focuses on developing confidence, improving health, whilst learning fantastic performing skills in a safe and encouraging environment. As well as unfurling their passion for performing, it also looks to develop important social skills for students to take with them into the real world.

Auditions and rehearsals for the show started back in summer 2023, and the group have met weekly to sharpen their performances, eventually up the performances up to two nights a week in the build up to the performance. Run by ANGUSalive staff, the team have been blown away by the feedback they have had since they launched the school.

Claire Drummie, Duty Manager at Webster Memorial Theatre – who has been influential in the production – commented “The success of our first-ever production fills me with immense pride. Watching our talented students shine on stage, bringing the magic of Madagascar to life, is a testament to their hard work and the supportive community we’ve been able to create at Theatre Star School in the short time we’ve been open. The response has been so positive from parents and kids, it’s been very humbling.”

Leah Shepherd, Theatre Star School’s dancing coach commented “I was quite nervous before the performance, as you often are before a big show but I really shouldn’t have been. The kids have been brilliant and embraced everything that has been thrown at them. It has been so rewarding to see people come out of their shells, develop friendships and do things that for most people are quite uncomfortable. It’s been a brilliant project to be part of.”

Theatre Star School are straight back at it, resuming on Tuesday 6 February as they look forward to planning their next production.

You can find out more information about ANGUSalive’s Theatre Star School here.