Return to the stage

Horsham Arts Council newcomer Jessica Durant is among cast and crew busily preparing for Friday night’s opening of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Durant hails from North East Lincolnshire in the United Kingdom, where she started dancing at the age of six.

She became involved in theatre at 14 and her first stage role was that of Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Durant completed singing training at the London Academy of Music and studied to grade eight with honours.

She busked and performed in bands across England’s country districts before moving to Australia in 2015.

After falling in love, Durant decided to settle permanently in Australia and works in disability and aged care in Horsham.

She auditioned for Joseph with a view to returning to the stage, but was completely surprised to be offered the role of the Narrator.

“I’m so glad to be involved and never thought that I would meet such a great, welcoming group of people,” Durant said. Director Simon Dandy said the creative team was blown away when Durant walked in for her audition.

“She had a unique voice and the presence we were looking for from the Narrator,” he said.

Dandy said the show was coming together well.

“Everything is looking awesome, everyone has been working really hard and it is all starting to pay off,” he said.

“We hope everyone who comes along to support us will enjoy the show, it really has something for everyone.”