Carmenians look to extend repertoire

BIG changes are on the way for the Carmenians in preparation for the musical theatre company's 60th anniversary next year.

The search is on for new members to join so the group can continue to produce high-quality shows in the city. And the company plans to re-launch with a constitutional change to allow non-musical plays. The Carmenians will also set up an education programme to include workshops and summer schools and welcome new directors, actors and backstage crew.

Artistic director Mark Sidey said: "With so many amateur organisations in a relatively small area it is extremely difficult to maintain membership and audience numbers.

"We hope that by running workshops and increasing our repertoire to include a more varied programme, we can attract much needed support from a wider spectrum of theatre lovers and keep the company going for another 60 years."

The Carmenians was formed in Plymstock in 1950. Since then the company has produced many shows at the Athenaeum, the Theatre Royal and the Devonport Playhouse, including the Plymouth premiere of Oklahoma!

Catch their next production, The Last Train to Broadway, in the Edgcumbe theatre at Devonport High School for Boys from June 24-27. Performances are at 7.30pm each night, with a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. For tickets, call 01752 339251.