Martin Coslett, Artistic Director of Ashgate Heritage Arts reveals how Ashgate Heritage Arts got started; his amazement at receiving funding from Arts Council England enabling them to take their latest production to the stage; and the very first show that ignited his passion for musicals. ​

(Our thoughts & feelings following on from the Concert in October – in five, easily digested chunks.)
 
The rehearsals went extremely well, and the cast were fully committed to the project. The whole team - front and backstage gelled from the start and this added to the overall success of the concert. It was very enjoyable for everyone.  One person who perhaps got a tremendous amount from the whole thing was the young actor who played the boy, Walter.  He worked as hard as anyone and his confidence and self-assurance in acting and interacting with the group visibly increased. He was looked after and supported by everyone.

The choice of St Mary’s church for the concert was excellent and added to the authenticity of the storyline. As the concert theme was set in the same church it was inevitable that this would be an apt place to perform it. With its spacious pews it was also a safe venue amidst covid. ​

Other things that had happened in the run up to the concert which challenged us; The Catalytic Converter on my car was stolen, then I got a wasp sting, Mary had Japanese knotweed injections (in her garden) One of the actors (John) had a tooth extraction the day before rehearsals.

​Another was contracted to film on a TV series (Sherwood) during rehearsals so arrived late. Another got food poisoning but managed to struggle through the Friday.