'Off The Beat' sets off on the right note

Recently one of Leeds University's studio theatres became home to an 18-strong energetic cast in 'Off the Beat' for two nights; a theatre show created and directed by Phill Hargreaves from concept to the stage in 10 months, and what a reception it got!! Phill said, �??It's been really hard work, yet so rewarding, and I can't wait to do it all over again!�?� Recently one of Leeds University's studio theatres became home to an 18-strong energetic cast in 'Off the Beat' for two nights; a theatre show created and directed by Phill Hargreaves from concept to the stage in 10 months, and what a reception it got!! Phill said, "It's been really hard work, yet so rewarding, and I can't wait to do it all over again!"

The aim of 'Off the Beat' was to produce an innovative percussion and dance show for people to enjoy. Its objectives were to educate the cast in the art of theatre, to entertain the audience with new no hidden meanings, and to bring the drum corps world inside, giving it a new dimension, all this and more was achieved, with the potential to repeat the success, with added features in a bigger and better show later in 2008.

The project funded by 'Stage@leeds Unmasked Festive' was conceived in May, 2007, writing started in September, with rehearsals commencing in October. Parts of the cast were initially rehearsing separately, which meant four rehearsals per week for Director, Phill, who is studying at the University of Leeds, School of Performance and Cultural Industries, for a degree in Managing Performance. Phill's hard work not only delivered some great creative and artistic scenes of music, dance and comedy, Phill went onto say he had to "...put together a crew of Stage Managers and Assistants, whilst finding a Set and Lighting Designer, Stage Hands and a Choreographer, all of which was a challenge."



The cast was a collaboration of 6 percussionists and 6 colour guard from the Northern Star Group, plus 6 dancers from Leeds University who all auditioned to join the cast. A very enthusiastic audience on both nights were treated to a tremendously entertaining show which was flowed from start to finish. Two levels of scaffold scenery, lighting and back projection all added to the very professional production values, which really set the scene for the exceptional performances which were delivered.

As well as a small selection of floor tom drums, most of the equipment was far from standard! Anything from wheelie bins to a biffa bin, scaffolding to plastic storage drums, school desks, cooking pans, brushes and balls were used. Each of the sets moved seamlessly through from percussion to dance to colour guard, with individual ensembles being featured as well as composite sets through to the full cast which brought the whole production to a resounding climax which almost brought the roof on the final night.

The Program comprised of 9 acts which were:
1. Fortuna
2. Wild Dances
3. Brushes
4. School
5. Basketball
6. Wheelie bin
7. Colour guard
8. Dancer in the dark
9. Finale.



Executive Director of the Northern Star Group, Mark Pickles, who attended both nights, said "I was extremely proud of their achievements; I knew it would be good, but it was much better than I could have ever imagined."