Welcome to the 60's - Guest Post by Marlene Hill!

April was an exciting month for me as I again had the chance of treading the boards to play the role of Motormouth Maybelle at the Grand Opera House, Belfast in St. Agnes' Choral Society's production of "HAIRSPRAY".

For those who are unfamiliar with this high spirited musical, it is set in 1962 Baltimore. Tracy Turnblad is a big girl with big hair and an even bigger dream: to dance her way onto national TV, and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for integration. But can she win equality – and Link’s heart – without denting her ‘do?

This is my second time playing the role of Motormouth Maybelle, having played it previously in February with Portsmouth Players at the Kings Theatre in Southsea. 

I arrived in Belfast to join The Aggies just over a week in advance of opening night of the show, which ran from 28 April until 02 May, for an intense week of rehearsals.  I was very humbled to be welcomed into such a talented and dedicated cast.  I was grateful for their patience with me trying to learn the dance moves as I am no dancer!

I had to fly back for a gig on Saturday the 25th but returned on Sunday for band call and tech rehearsal which started late morning and went on until very late Sunday night!  Monday was dress rehearsal which was another very late evening full of excited nervousness.  We were all really looking forward to opening night and it made it that much more exciting as we sold out each of the six performances! 

One of the most moving songs in the show is "I Know Where I've Been" which my character sang accompanied by the cast members along with the voices of the Belfast Community Gospel Choir. A large screen above my head showed images of historical events and people of the Civil Rights movement that would have been topical during that time. The song's lyrics speak of "a road we've been travelling" and a "dream in the future. There's a struggle we have yet to win".

Each evening we played to a lively full house complete with standing ovations and audiences singing along to the music. I was sad to leave Belfast and the new friends that I made whilst there.  I hope to return for a more leisurely visit very soon.