A West Cumbrian operatic society’s upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar is a family affair.
Members of Whitehaven and District Amateur Operatic Society are currently rehearsing the musical, which will be on stage at the town’s Solway Hall in November.
This year’s cast and crew are brimming with real-life relatives, turning rehearsals into lively family gatherings.
Siblings Jack and Megan Riley are performing together as adults for the first time.
Mother-daughter duos include Wendy and Kayley Warden, who have performed together since 2019, Laura McCarten and Julia Parsons, reunited after 25 years and Tracy and Lily McOuat. It is Lily’s first adult-section show, with Tracy also serving as choreographer.
Musical director is Mike Ames, his wife Sarah plays French horn and their son-in-law Jordan Maclean is on lead guitar.
Cousins Ellen and River Elliot, have been part of the society since 2017.
And couples include Marc and Sue Goodwin, sharing the stage for the first time in 18 years.
Sue is dancing just two-and-a-half years after being told she would never dance again following an injury.
Other couples are Clare and Graeme Wishart, who first met at the society and return after a break and Sam and Danya Smethurs.
Tracy said: “Rehearsals feel like one big family night. It’s a reminder that community theatre is exactly that – community.
“Even younger children like my son Ewan, along with Kitty, Freya, and Annabelle, sometimes come along.
“We all pitch in and watch out for each other’s kids, which means we can keep doing what we love.”
Jesus Christ Superstar will be at Solway Hall, Whitehaven, from November 19 to November 22.
