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Sean Bean Online Press Archive • All the Bean news and press articles


Published on Wednesday 8 February 2012 11:05

A SURPRISE announcement really made the night for young members of a Parkgate theatre group.

At their third anniversary awards night, held at the Fitzwilliam Arms Hotel, Parkgate, STEPS Productions’ members were told that actor Sean Bean has agreed to be their patron.

The news - received by telephone - just added to the celebrations of the young people, who in three years have staged sell-out productions AND raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Twenty-one year old Ash White is the producer/director of STEPS, and offers seven to 19 year olds the chance to shine on stage.

From the first show ‘Dancing through Life’ in 2009, the group went on to perform cabarets, and the following year a sell-out debut musical ‘Boogie Nights’.

There were further performances throughout 2010, and last year a charity concert for the late Rawmarsh soldier James Leverett raised £1,700 for his partner who was due to have his baby.

Another £1000 resulted from ‘One Night Only’ that enabled the group to stage ‘Annie Warbucks’ - a sell-out, at Rotherham Civic Theatre. In the autumn, STEPS raised £900 for Tickled Pink breast cancer, and entertained at the Rotherham Hospice Fashion Show, that made £1,459. Their ‘Back to the Movies’ resulted in £500 for the Sick Children’s Trust. A first pantomime, Cinderella, took place last November, prior to STEPS’ members hosting a bash for over 70 local pensioners!

Special Achievement Awards went to Matt Symonds, Steve Mycock, Josh Paget, Ellise Osborne, Sam Shirtliffe and Rosie Ibbotson, and Membership Awards to Sam Hague, Sian McMillan and Eleanor Hewitt, with a Gold Star to Adam Wigglesworth. Ash said: “We are grateful for all the support we have had, and greatly appreciate people’s belief in us and all their hard work”. STEPS members are currently rehearsing for ‘Seussical the Musical’ to take place at Rotherham Civic Theatre from June 18 to 21 this year. For tickets priced £10 tel. 07732 372738.
Source of this article : Doncaster Free Press