Take a look at rehearsals for new musical The Doncastrian Chalk Circle

The classic Brecht play gets a musical and local twist

Author: Rhys FreemanPublished 19th Aug 2022

Rehearsals are well underway for brand-new musical The Doncastrian Chalk Circle which is set to take place at Cast in Doncaster over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The musical is the National Theatre's third Public Acts production and will bring together the community of Doncaster including over 70 local performers alongside a professional company, a live band and performance groups from across Doncaster.

If the musical's title rings a bell that's because it's based on Bertolt Brecht's 1948 play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle. The musical is adapted by Chris Bush, with music by Ruth Chan and directed by James Blakey.

The cast of professional actors includes John Partridge (EastEnders, Cats), Benjamin Armstrong, Daisy Ann Fletcher, Beth HintonLever, Charlotte Mills.

The local performance groups also featured in the production are All That Jazz School of Dance and Acro, Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus and Drag Queen Miss Smoochie.

Speaking in rehearsals, James Blakey said: “As we enter the most intense part of our rehearsal process, it's inspiring to witness our proud Doncastrian company continue to show up for each other and take ever greater ownership of this story of justice and chosen family. This fabulous, intergenerational community perform with full voices and full hearts and they can't wait to welcome their audience to the show.”

The Doncastrian Chalk Circle: Rehearsal gallery


















The Doncastrian Chalk Circle runs from 27th to 29th august 2022 at Cast in Doncaster. Tickets for the production can be found on Cast's website.

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