Sharing Kate's dream (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Sharing Kate's dream

2:29pm Thursday 17th January 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share

THE woman who helped launch actress Kate Winslet on her way to stardom, is starting up a new children's theatre company in Devizes.

Carole Berry, who moved to the town seven years ago, has been involved in youth theatre for more than 25 years and last year produced the musical Annie for Devizes Light Operatic Society.

The success of this show and two concerts she organised led to her setting up First Stages, a non-profit-making organisation that will provide a showcase for young talent in the area.

Mrs Berry said: "This is something I have been planning to do for ages, but the success of the two concerts made me bring my plans forward.

"The children did so well and they were all so enthusiastic, I didn't want to leave it so other things intervened and the impetus was lost."

First Stages, whose motto is bringing out the best, will start its first ten-week training session later this month. The course will conclude with a showcase concert in Devizes.

Mrs Berry became involved with youth theatre when she lived in Berkshire and her daughter Siobhan joined Generation Theatre Company in Reading.

Among the other founder members were a 12-year-old Kate Winslet, and Juliette Caton, who subsequently sang the leading female role in the West End musical, Martin Guerre.

Mrs Berry said: "Kate and Juliette were among those children who you knew, even then, were going places. Children like that are very special. You can see them engage with the audience. They are not just performing."

Generation Theatre developed into the famous Starmaker Theatre Company, which not only trains talented youngsters but acts as an agent for them for professional work.

Mrs Berry hopes that First Stages, should it prove a success, may develop along the same lines.

First Stages will provide places for about 15 young people aged eight to 14 and there are a few places left.

She said: "We will meet weekly with three ten-week terms per year and we will present a concert three times a year. The first will be a compilation of Disney music from favourite shows including The Lion King, Hercules, The Little Mermaid, as well as traditional shows such as Pinocchio, Song of the South and Snow White."

For more details, log on to www.FirstStages.co.uk or email Mrs Berry at Carole@FirstStages.co.uk

• Print
• Email
• Share