A Barrow councillor will swap committee agendas for scripts as he makes his stage debut in Theatre Factory’s forthcoming production.
Dalton South politician Tony Callister will star in Sapeurs – a drama about Barrow which looks at immigration and belonging.
The musical theatre tells real-life stories of people who come to Barrow as refugees. The work also gives a voice to those who find refugee presence challenging.
Sapeurs is part of Theatre Factory’s IF! Inclusion Festival – a year-long programme of plays about Barrow life.
Tony is one of around 20 Barrow residents who – despite having limited acting experience – will take to the stage in Sapeurs.
They are rehearsing at Theatre Factory alongside professional actors.
Not only will Tony put his acting credentials to the test, he will try his hand at rapping.
Tony said: “My previous acting experience is zero – it is all in my head. When I daydream I think I’m starring with Tom Cruise. But I am always up for a challenge and I’m sure I can pull it off.
“It’s fantastic to be guided by the team at Theatre Factory allowing ordinary Barrow people like myself to tap into our creativity and venture into acting.”
In real life Tony is a Labour man. But in Sapeurs, he portrays a character called Piel, who has views far removed from his own.
Tony said: “This character has opinions very different to mine. He leans towards the right whereas I am very much to the left. But I’m happy to play the role as this is theatre.
“I am 100% in agreement with Theatre Factory focusing on the issue of immigration and belonging. These are difficult subjects to be talking about. But it’s good to tackle serious issues through drama.”
Sapeurs has a run of two shows at Barrow Town Hall on Thursday March 5 and Friday March 6. Tickets are free or by donation HERE
IF! Inclusion Festival has been made possible by funding from Arts Council England, Westmorland and Furness Council, John Fisher Foundation, Granada Foundation and Garfield Weston Foundation.
