Taylor Murray
MEMBERS of the Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group will take to the stage with their latest production this week.
The talented group is to perform The Wedding Singer at Johnstone Town Hall from Wednesday, April 24, until Saturday, April 27.
It is based on 1998 film The Wedding Singer, which featured Adam Sadler, Drew Barrymore and Christine Taylor.
Jennifer Scott, who is playing Holly Sullivan, can’t wait to get started.
She told The Gazette: “The show aims to follow the same storyline as the film but it has more upbeat songs and colourful dance sequences.
“There are some quirky characters in the musical version that come to life more than in the movie.
“It is one we are looking forward to bringing to Johnstone.
“This one is a little quirky too, as we have previously done Shrek and Legally Blonde, but this one is set in the 80s.
“It is definitely one the full team is looking forward to taking part in and it is amazing to be bringing all the things we have been practising on together.”
Johnstone Phoenix have entertained generations of local theatregoers, with a string of successful shows being staged over the decades.
Last year, the group celebrated a major milestone as it turned 60.
Jennifer, 28, has been involved with Johnstone Phoenix in some capacity since 2007.
And despite many aspects of the theatre world changing with the times, she said that adding a “modern twist” to classic shows has been fun.
She added: “When I first joined the club, everything was very much ‘this is how we do things,’ especially panto, which was traditional, but we did Jack and the
Beanstalk last time, which had more of a modern twist.
“For previous pantos, we would use items that would move off and on and rearrange aspects of the production, whereas now we can use a video wall, which helps us explore different options.”
Jennifer, who works as a nurse, says being able to perform on stage with the group also helps her unwind from her day job, which can be stressful at times.
She added: “Personally for myself, it is a time away. I don’t need to think about how serious I need to be or how decisive something is.
“Throwing myself into something and getting knee-deep into a character is brilliant.
“Also, at the Phoenix, we are a big family. It is a home away from home and we always try to put on our best show for everyone.”
Performances for all of the evening shows start at 7.30pm and there is also a 2pm matinee on Saturday.
To book tickets, visit https:// linktr.ee/johnstonephoenix.