From Headmaster to Reverend!

"I've been in the society 10 years and this is my second time playing a vicar...I've been told this role is particularly suited to me as he's a very serious and grumpy man, I just don't want to become typecast!" Martin exclaims with a smile and his tongue very much in his cheek.

Martin is a stalwart of AMTC and has previously played a vicar in Witches of Eastwick, alongside a variety of other characters from Mr Bumble in Oliver,  Mr Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors and most recently, King Arthur in Spamalot.  After taking a break due to lockdown and helping as Stage Manager in subsequent shows, Martin was eager to get back on stage in 'Footloose', which see's both the adult and their youth company 'Starlights' come together to bring this production to life.

This time though, Martin is transforming from his day job as a headmaster to play Reverend Shaw Moore, the central figure of Bomont and a key character to the story.

"Reverend Moore is a very serious character who has tried to bury his sons grief.  It requires him to be very serious throughout the show, and you see him go on a real journey.  I have some really great scenes with many of the characters such as Becky Rungen who is playing my wife Vi and some really nice dialogue with Ariel, my daughter played by Bethany Griffiths, and then Ren, played by William Swinnerton, too. I usually play roles with a bit more singing and a bit less dialogue, so remembering all of my lines has been the biggest challenge this time around!"

With not long left to go until opening night and the final rehearsals under way, Martin comments "It's going really well and everything is coming together now.  It is going to be a brilliant show, you need to make sure you don't miss this one!"

Tickets are now on sale for Footloose at The Lights, on between Wednesday 30th November - Saturday 3rd December (7:30pm) with a matinee on Saturday 3rd December (2:30pm).  To book your tickets now, go to The Lights Box Office at www.thelights.org.uk or call 01264 368368.