Talented students from Â鶹ƵµÀ Leicester (DMU) have joined more than 100 local people to bring a classic Broadway musical to the city’s landmark theatre.
The Curve Young Company and community team is putting centre stage Joseph Stein’s , a life-affirming tale about the Jewish community of a pre-revolutionary Russian village.
For second-year DMU student Ellie Page, being cast as the fiddler - who represents the challenges of upholding traditions in a changing world – has been an unexpected opportunity to combine her two passions.
The Grade 8 violinist from Milton Keynes said: “Primarily, I’m a classical musician, but I never thought I’d be able to find a way to combine it with acting. This is such a big opportunity for me.
“I never dreamed I would get to play my violin on stage in theatre, but landing this role has given me confidence and helped me realise how sought-after actor musicians are.”
Photo by Pamela Raith
Ellie’s interest in pursuing this path was first piqued in March, when DMU hosted the (NSDF), which has helped launch the careers of some of Britain’s biggest names including Game of Thrones actor Lena Headey; actor, broadcaster and writer Stephen Fry; and comedian and writer Ben Elton.
“It was great having the chance to get involved in the NSDF and one of my personal highlights was attending a workshop about actor musicians,” said the 22-year-old.
“Hearing from musicians who play on stage opened up a whole new world to me and made me think that maybe it’s something I could do too.”
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The final-year student first experienced performing on a big stage in April, when she and 19 other DMU students collaborated with Curve to retell the well-known American drama, .
Thanks to DMU’s long-standing partnership with Curve, this annual opportunity gives students across all years of Drama and a chance to work together with industry experts as a professional company.
Photo by Pamela Raith
Ellie said: “It’s because of DMU that I became involved with Curve and now I don’t want to stop being involved.
“Crucible was incredible. We picked up so many valuable tips from the director and other company members, as well as learning about the painstaking work that goes on behind the scenes.
"And now, getting to work on a huge production like this one is so exciting. Sarah Ingram, the director of Fiddler on the Roof, has done an amazing job at making such a large cast feel like a family.
“From the minute you step into Curve everything is 100 per cent professional and you are instantly involved and immersed in industry. It’s a fantastic opportunity."
Fiddler on the Roof is showing at Curve until Sunday 19 August – .
Posted on Tuesday 14 August 2018