Halifax Courier

Celebrate dashing roller derby culture with a new empowering musical Hot Wheels

At the Square Chapel Arts Centre, Halifax on 23-24 April.

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Can you imagine bold and dauntless roller derby sport portrayed in musical theatre with intricate musicality and dramatic choreograp­hy? On 23-24 April the Square Chapel Arts Centre hosts a new exciting and femaleempo­wering musical Hot Wheels celebratin­g roller derby culture and written and directed by Ellie Jones, whose credits include Macbeth (Royal Shakespear­e Company), Invincible (St. James Theatre) which was nominated for Best Ensemble and Best Director at the OffWest End Awards, Tanzi Libre (Southwark Playhouse) Romeo & Juliet, The Tempest (New Wolsey, Ipswich) and many more.

Ellie says: “I wanted to create an empowering show for women and girls. I chose roller derby because it is a bodypositi­ve, kick-ass feminist sport that encourages women to take up space, be part of a supportive and inclusive sisterhood and be their own hero. This is a game full of strong, powerful athletes… that just happen to also enjoy wearing sassy outfits and creating bad-ass nicknames.” Hot Wheels is commission­ed by British Youth Music Theatre, the UK’s leading musical theatre company for young people, and featuring an exceptiona­lly talented young cast, soaring harmonies and powerful narrative. Each year BYMT welcomes hundreds of young aspiring performers from all over the UK and gives them an essential experience in starring in an exciting new show on a profession­al level. One of the young performers, who will be starring in Hot Wheels, is Hazel Read, 15, from Leeds. As Hazel says: “BYMT production­s always seem so vibrant and engaging, I was really keen to take part. I am so excited to start work on our production of Hot Wheels. I can’t wait to learn new skills and be a part of this colourful, empowering show. I am looking forward to starting rehearsals, meeting everyone and working with like-minded people. The subject of this production, a girl’s roller derby team, is so appealing to me! We can show our adventurou­s side, celebrate ‘girl-power’ and highlight a sport that people may not have experience­d. My future goal is to pursue a career in the Performing Arts industry as

an Opera Singer. I adore performing and hope to be involved in many different projects and my voice and skills develop.” Hurry up to see all this young exceptiona­l talent in the empowering and exhilarati­ng show. Book your tickets at the Square Chapel Arts Centre website.

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 ?? ?? Photo credit: Ant Robling
Photo credit: Ant Robling

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