A night of showstoppers
REPRESENTATIVES from the world of amateur theatre in East Lancashire are coming together to present ‘Big Julie’s Jubilation’ for a spectacular night of theatre in February in honour of their dear friend and performer, Julie Hopkinson, who died in May 2018.
Julie’s avid love for musical theatre and plays led her to be a member of many societies and seven of our local societies will be performing at the concert, which is due to take place on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Taking part are Accrington Theatre Group, Blackburn Arts Club, Blackburn Musical Theatre Company, Clitheroe Parish Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, Oswaldtwistle Players, Pendle Hippodrome Theatre Company and React Academy of Theatre Arts.
In addition to the fine talent from these local companies, members from across these societies and also societies which are no longer in existence, but that played a large part in Julie’s life, will be performing together as the aptly named Julie’s choir.
The concert will feature songs from musicals such as Whistle Down the Wind, The Jersey Boys, Les Miserables and much, much more.
As a playing member, Julie starred in a vast array of productions and she is fondly remembered for the many cameo roles she portrayed, particularly the comedy roles. Julie was a natural, her precision in delivery and timing were second to none and – together with her facial expressions – she left the audience no choice but to be in stitches - not to mention the rest of the cast sharing the stage and who had the misfortune of stifling their natural urge to laugh - often bringing the house down.
But it wasn’t only Julie’s talents onstage which demonstrated her commitment to the amateur theatre circuit in East Lancashire.
Julie was part of committees, worked backstage, front of house and would also avidly support all other groups in the area, which cannot be said of all thespians.
Julie was a founder member and co-ordinator of ChINA, an organisation set up with the sole purpose of raising money for charity.
Julie worked tirelessly on fund-raising activities, enabling flagship productions, including, the amateur premier concert production of ‘Les Miserables’, the musical production of ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ culminating in a sell-out one night only production at Manchester Opera House and the musical production of ‘Chess’, raising over £15,000 for Children in Need and other local charities. And as such, continuing the great fundraising in Julie’s name, all proceeds from the concert will be donated to East Lancashire Hospice, where she spent her final hours.
Co-ordinator for the concert, David Norris, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response from the local societies and also people who have wanted to be involved for Julie, there are members involved of all ages and this really highlights how dear and loved she was by all in amateur theatre.
“Julie was larger than life in many ways, she was a bright light on our stage and so it is only fitting that we pull out all the stops for what is set to be a great night of entertainment.”
Big Julie’s Jubilation will be performed on Saturday, February 9, at 7.30pm at the Civic Arts Centre and Theatre, Oswaldtwistle. Tickets are available now in person, by calling 01254 398319 or online at civicartscentre.co.uk.