Act II theatre group presents summer show The Magic of Motown at South Holland Centre, Spalding ahead of 20 year anniversary since Act II started

Young performers sang their hearts out in a summer concert at a packed out town’s theatre.

Members of Act II theatre group, which celebrates its 20th anniversary later this year, showcased their singing talent in The Magic of Motown at the South Holland Centre in Spalding.

The 70-strong choir ensemble was made up of youngsters, some as young as four, from junior and senior groups in the company and they performed to a full house.

Karl Gernert, who runs Act II with Charlotte Gernert, said: “The summer concert allows the younger groups to have a go on the big stage.

“Act II feels like a family and we’ve always said we are providing the arts for everyone, as participants and audience.

“It is not always the same children getting the big parts and as Stanislavski said, there are no small parts, only small actors.”

Some proud parents in the audience were waving their hands and holding up their mobile phones to their children as they performed, singing along and clapping in what was a lovely show.

If youngsters were nervous they certainly didn’t show it and I wonder if the excitement of coming off stage meant a late night for their parents.

Mr Gernert feels it is important that every member of the company gets a chance to shine having been asked to leave his choir as a youngster as he was not considered to be at competition level.

He said: “I was told I wasn’t keeping up and I don’t ever want to treat a child like that.”

As band leader playing bass for the show and MCing seamlessly he puts his money where his mouth is, encouraging throughout the ensemble of mixed abilities who all worked together inclusively.

The Motown song list featured some massive hits by artists such as The Supremes, Four Tops, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.

Mini Musical juniors and seniors belted out the songs with solos from three senior members who have been involved with the company for many years.

Imagination Station featured the youngest and tiniest members of the group who held their own on such a big stage.

There were some lovely moments in the show with Imagination Station singing their version of Frank Wilson’s Do I Love You? and stage manager Barry Perkins frantically putting chairs out on stage, only to find himself one short.

The show was directed by Alice Haley featuring good choreography which kept the show interesting to watch.

Mr Gernert thanked the volunteers on the crew and is always open to new people joining.

He said: “We are reliant on volunteers and our unsung heroes are our chaperones.

“They are backstage looking out for them.

“We can’t do the show without them.”

Act II will celebrate its 20th anniversary in September but will hold a special awards ceremony event on Saturday, July 20 at Springfields Events and Conference Centre.

Alumni from the group will be invited with many past members still keeping in contact, going on theatre trips and moving on to work in professional theatre as a result of being involved with Act II.

Mr Gernert added: “Thankyou to the people of South Holland for coming to our shows for the last 20 years.

“I hope they come for the next 20 years and we will keep putting on shows.”

Visit Act II’s website for further information at act2online.co.uk

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