Louise's new Role is Second to Nun!

When Whoopi Goldberg put on a habit and brought chaos to Maggie Smith’s convent, the result was comedy gold. ‘Sister Act’ became one of the most popular films of the 1990s. Now there’s reason to rejoice, as the fabulous stage musical version of Sister Act is coming to Basingstoke for the very first time.

Louise Gains takes Whoopi’s role of Deloris Van Cartier, the nightclub diva who witnesses a crime and must go into hiding.

Louise Gains in rehearsal as Doloris for Sister Act

“I’ve always loved the film, then I saw the musical in Guildford and thought it was amazing,” says Louise. “I thought ‘that’s a part I really want to play’. People say I’ve got that swagger, and the songs are great to perform – really soulful and uplifting.”

Louise can draw on a wealth of musical experience. Away from her day job as a finance administrator, she sings with the funk band Verber, records with local artists, has played the main stage at Basingstoke Live and even been heard on Radio 1 Xtra.

It’s a busy schedule but she’s got great support from her two sons JJ, who’s 10, and Kaiden, 8. “They’re singing along and helping me learn the lines. I hope they’ll be proud of me when they see me on stage.”

A lot of the fun in Sister Act comes from the choir of nuns whose singing goes from bad to brilliant, thanks to guidance from Louise’s character. “The nuns are fantastic, they’ve all got their own personalities, and their singing is joyful. You’ll come out of the theatre feeling totally uplifted!”

Six performances of Sister Act run from Tuesday 12th - Saturday 16th May. Performances start at 7:30pm with a 2:30pm Saturday matinee.

Meet the friends of Dorothy - The Wizard of Oz

Dorothy, Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man in costume

In The Wizard of Oz, they’re the trio of faithful friends who help Dorothy reach the Emerald City and defeat the Wicked Witch of the West. Anyone who’s seen the film will remember the Scarecrow who sings “If I Only Had A Brain”, the Tin Man who yearns for a heart, and the Cowardly Lion who just longs to be brave. Bringing these much-loved characters to life on the Haymarket stage are Craig Saunders, Bryn Hughes and Ian ‘Spud’ Smith, all long-term members of Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society.

Dorothy (Alyssia Kershaw) with Lion (Ian 'Spud' Smith), Scarecrow (Craig Saunders) and Tin Man (Bryn Hughes)

“It’s great being able to act stupid and get away with it!” laughs Craig, who spends much of the time as the Scarecrow falling over. Luckily his costume is well padded. But Scarecrow faces other perils in the show. “At one point my legs and arms get pulled off by flying monkeys!” Fortunately Bryn and Spud know how to put him back together. “It’s been great getting that camaraderie with the other guys.”

As Tin Man, Bryn is encased in an impressive metal costume that was built for BATS’ 1985 production of The Wizard of Oz. Bryn has helped to completely renovate it, alongside stage manager Steve Brannam. “I’ve been rehearsing in the costume to get the movement right. You feel quite restricted. It’s not that heavy but it’s quite difficult to walk and tap dance in.”

When the show opens, Bryn must also contend with silver make-up, a skin tight catsuit and a big funnel on his head. “It’s going to be very hot! I’ll make sure there’s plenty of water at the side of the stage!”

Spud is also expecting to sweat buckets in his furry lion costume and mane. He has vivid memories of appearing in BATS’ 1998 production of The Wizard of Oz. “I broke my elbow on stage! I was playing a Munchkin, jumped off a wall and lost my footing.”

This time round will be a happier occasion – he’ll mark his 200th performance at the Haymarket during the run. His four-year-old son Reuben will also be in the audience. Spud says he’s a tough critic. “If I’m practising my lines he picks up on any mistakes. He knows the script better than I do!”

Craig, Bryn and Spud all praise the dedication of the cast and crew bringing The Wizard of Oz to the stage. “There’s a joyous atmosphere in rehearsals,” says Spud. “It’s a wonderful family show, and everyone wants to make it as good as it can be.”

Ten performances of The Wizard of Oz run from Thursday 20 - Saturday 29 November. Performances start at 7.15pm with 2.15pm matinees on Saturday 22, Sunday 23 and Saturday 29.

Alyssia prepares to follow the yellow brick road - The Wizard of Oz

Any young actress who plays Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz has some very big shoes to fill - or should that be ruby slippers? It’s a part that defined Judy Garland forever.

But 16-year-old Alyssia Kershaw is up for the challenge. “I absolutely loved the film when I was young. Judy Garland was amazing. You really believe in Dorothy’s personal journey.”

Alyssia Kershaw in rehearsal for the Wizard of Oz

“She starts the show yearning for a different way of life in the song Over The Rainbow. She’s then transported to this magical world but learns in the end that there’s no place like home. It really is my dream part, and I’m working hard to make it believable. It should be Dorothy on stage, not Alyssia.”

One big challenge is working with two scene-stealing dogs – Scruffy and Tia - who alternate the role of Toto. “I’m having bonding sessions with them outside rehearsals,” Alyssia explains. “I’ll have doggie treats hidden in my belt to keep them close to me on stage, but I might have to deal with some unpredictable behaviour – while staying in character!”

Anyone who saw Alyssia give a sneak preview of Over the Rainbow at the recent Mayor’s Variety Show at the Anvil will have been impressed by her lovely singing voice, and the warmth and sincerity of her performance. But even at 16 she is a stage veteran.

The Wizard of Oz is Alyssia’s fourth show with Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society, following parts in Annie, Carousel and The Music Man. She’s also currently rehearsing BAOS Limelight’s production of Grease in October, and Winchester Theatre Royal’s Christmas panto Sleeping Beauty. On Saturdays she attends JG Dance Theatre School, in Henley. All this alongside A-Levels at QMC.

“I’m very grateful to my mum and dad for their support,” says Alyssia. “I couldn’t do this without them. They are my taxi service and they support me every step of the way!”

In fact Alyssia’s dad Nick will get to enjoy her performance as Dorothy every night – from the orchestra pit. He plays the trombone for BATS. So does each give the other notes on their performance? “No!” laughs Alyssia, “We keep our areas very separate!”

Ten performances of The Wizard of Oz run from Thursday 20 - Saturday 29 November. Performances start at 7.15pm with 2.15pm matinees on Saturday 22, Sunday 23 and Saturday 29.

Paul chats about playing another baddie - Jesus Christ Superstar

From his vantage point in the Heathrow control tower, he’s responsible for the safe movement of hundreds of aircraft as they take off and land at one of the world’s busiest airports. But the pressure of Paul Morris’s day job as an air traffic controller doesn’t compare to the challenge that awaits him on the stage of Basingstoke’s Haymarket Theatre.

“I’m wearing 3 inch gold platform shoes and a Saturday Night Fever-style purple and gold suit, while singing and dancing a big camp production number,” explains Paul. “The last time I performed on stage was in a panto back home in Liverpool when I was 10. And I’ve never had to learn a dance number before!”

Paul Morris as Herod | BATS, Jesus Christ Superstar

But 34-year-old Paul has one big advantage as he prepares for his role as King Herod in BATS’ forthcoming production of the Tim Rice/Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

“My wife Julie is the dance captain, so she’s giving me some one-on-one tuition,” he smiles. “On the way home from rehearsals she’s often telling me where I went wrong and what I need to improve!”

BATS audiences may remember Julie as the lead, Reno Sweeney, in their 2012 musical “Anything Goes”. “I was operating the lighting for that show,” says Paul. This time round the roles are reversed. Julie is pregnant with the couple’s first child so won’t be on stage for JCS. “So she’s doing the lighting instead – I’m relying on her to make me look good!”

Paul may feel trepidation about his dancing debut, but he’s no slouch when it comes to belting out a song. “On holiday I’m always the first to volunteer for the karaoke.” And what’s his party piece? “Usually an 80’s classic or ‘I Am The One and Only’ by Chesney Hawkes!”

‘King Herod’s Song’ is a very different kind of showstopper – and one Paul can’t wait to perform. “The rest of the songs in the show are pretty intense. With my song, the whole cast can let rip and really go for it. It’s going to be fantastic with a full live orchestra!”

Six peformances of Jesus Christ Superstar run from Tues 13th - Sat 17th May 2014 at the Haymarket, Basingstoke.

In rehearsal with Jamie Trick for Jesus Christ Superstar

As ‘Jamie Sinatra’ he’s a familiar face in the pubs, clubs and casinos of the Thames Valley, entertaining audiences with his Rat Pack tribute act. But now Jamie Trick, the real man behind the microphone, is preparing to take on a very different persona – that of Jesus Christ in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar.

“When I heard Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society was going to stage JCS I knew I had to be in it,” says Jamie. “I’ve been absolutely obsessed with the show since I saw the DVD of the West End production when I was 14. It’s such an honour to finally play my dream role.”

Jamie Trick in rehearsal | BATS, Jesus Christ Superstar

In fact you could say Jamie’s life has been building up to this performance. The actor who played Jesus in that London production was the brother of Jamie’s friend Michael. Jamie also worked backstage on the touring version of the musical when he was at university.

“But a big moment for me was performing Jesus’s song 'Gethsemane' at a charity night at the Grand Theatre in my home city, Swansea,” says Jamie. “It’s such a powerful song. It demands so much vocally and emotionally.” Indeed, Basingstoke audiences are in for a treat - his performance of the song creates goosebumps.

Jamie juggles singing with running his own recruitment company for social workers. He’s also a dad to two-year-old daughter Eva with wife Charis. But his biggest challenge hasn’t been managing his time, or even losing a bit more weight before appearing topless on stage.

“Put simply, how do you portray the Son of God?” asks Jamie, himself a Christian. “He isn’t just any other character. I’ve been reading Biblical texts and studying other productions. Our director Ray Jeffery has very clear ideas too. It’s been a fantastic experience. The entire cast are so committed to making this a truly stunning show.”

Six peformances of Jesus Christ Superstar run from Tues 13th - Sat 17th May 2014 at the Haymarket, Basingstoke.