In small towns and villages right across the UK there are talented, enthusiastic youngsters who would love to take part in a West End style musical, but may never get the opportunity. Many schools do not have the time, facilities or budgets to put on really big shows that youth theatres typically need, and part-time stage and dance schools can be prohibitively expensive for some families. So, young people who want to sing, dance and act are often left without an outlet for their talent.
Spotlight was formed in 2004 to fill that gap in the Huntingdon area. We have the enthusiasm, the commitment, the experience, the facilities and, most importantly, the time to make every project a huge success. In addition, we have recently acquired the use of premises to build even more elaborate sets and store costumes. Since 2004, we have performed 20 major musicals to sell-out audiences. Information on our current and past shows is provided below. For more information, contact us.
Past shows
Our past shows have included: The Addams Family (2024), Anything Goes (2023), Oliver! (2022), Magic of the Musicals (2021), Grease (2019), Sister Act (2018), Legally Blonde (2017), Disco Inferno (2016), Singin’ In The Rain (2015), Les Misérables (2014), Some Like It Hot (2013), Schools Will Rock You (2012), Fame (2011), Hairspray (2010), Back to the 80’s (2009), 42nd Street (2008), Disco Inferno (2007), Bugsy Malone (2006), A Whitechapel Tale (2006) and Grease (2005).
The Addams Family (2024)
For our 20th anniversary show, we were delighted to raise the dead with The Addams Family, a comedy musical, at Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre.
Its stage was transformed into both The Addams Family mansion interior, along with its torture chamber, boudoir & chandeliers, plus a graveyard with crypt.
The incredibly talented cast, together with our team of volunteers, brought that ‘West-End’ experience to sell-out audiences and rightly received rave reviews.
This production was truly a celebration of 20 years of quality musical theatre delivered by Spotlight Productions.
To view high resolution photos from the production, please visit the following page:
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
The Addams Family Programme (PDF)
Anything Goes (2023)
2023 saw us sail into Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre aboard the ‘SS American’, to perform the award-winning Cole Porter Musical, “Anything Goes”!
Our talented cast, sung, danced and tapped their way through this highly entertaining show on the largest set we have ever built.
We once again delivered quality Musical Theatre to sell-out audiences.
To view high resolution photos from the production, please visit the following page:
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Oliver! (2022)
With only 3 weeks to go until curtain up in 2020 we were forced to cancel our production of Oliver due to Covid-19.
Little did we know that it would be a further 2 years until we were able to finally perform the show, but WOW was it worth waiting for. Spotlight’s cast impressed and delighted sell out audiences by bringing to life the story of Charles Dickens Oliver Twist through superb portrayals of the characters, alongside memorable song and dance routines.
The show once again delivered that ‘West End’ experience with magnificent scenery and lighting, supporting the talented cast!
To view high resolution photos from the production, please visit the following page:
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Magic of the Musicals (2021)
It was a fantastic feeling finally being back onstage after 2 years of lockdown!
Featuring songs and dances from ‘West End’ musicals, Spotlights past and present cast lit up the stage at the Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre.
Over two nights, sell-out audiences were wowed with spectacular performances from our talented and enthusiastic cast. That ‘West End’ experience was finally back in Huntingdon!
To view high resolution photos from the production, please visit the following page:
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Magic of the Musicals Programme (PDF)
Oliver! (2020)
Unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions, we were unable to perform this musical, which was due to take place from the 8th to 11th April 2020 at:
Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre
Brampton Road,
Huntingdon
PE29 3BN
Grease (2019)
Our 2019 production was Grease the Musical. As this was our 15th anniversary show, we thought it only fitting to go back to the beginning of our story and once again perform the worlds best loved musical. This time however, we had been more creative than ever to try and replicate the film, pulling out ‘all the stops’ to make this a truly ‘electrifying’ production. For this show, we built our own scenery and with the use of a raised platform, supplied by Ali-Stage, we were able to put our band on stage for the first time. Grease the Musical was performed from the 10th to the 13th of April 2019, at Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre.
To view high resolution photos from the production, please visit the following page:
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Sister Act (2018)
Our 2018 production was Sister Act the Musical. Based on the 1992 Whoopi Goldberg film, the show followed Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer, who had to go into hiding in a convent having witnessed a gangland murder. For this production, we hired in a professional set. Sister Act the Musical was performed from the 11th to the 14th of April 2018, starting at 7.30pm at Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre.
Click on the play icon below to watch excerpts from 2018 production of Sister Act the Musical.
You can view more videos of our Sister Act dress rehearsals by clicking on the following link:
For a photo slideshow and to view (or download) high-resolution photos from the production, please visit the following page:
Sister Act slideshow and photos
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Legally Blonde (2017)
Our 2017 show was Legally Blonde. It was performed between the 5th and 8th April at the Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre.
The group was extremely fortunate in being one of a small number of performing arts groups to be successful in obtaining a licence to perform Legally Blonde the Musical. A very excited cast quickly knuckled down to learning some extremely difficult harmonies, alongside challenging dance routines. Following the departure of our Musical Director, we were delighted to welcome Vicky Calver to the team to wield the baton. Due to the complexity of the show, we once again decided to hire in our set and, in addition, invested heavily in lots of new Legally Blonde costumes.
People often say to never work with children or animals, but this show broke both these rules, as two of our stars were Opi the Chihuahua Cross (who played Bruiser Woods) and Alfie, the bulldog (who played Rufus).
Director Graham Wilkinson says, “Whilst sitting in the Savoy Theatre in early 2010, I watched the Sheridan Smith production of Legally Blonde and was unable to contain my enjoyment of such a fun, light-hearted and joyful show. Thoroughly entertained, I knew this was a musical I wanted to direct. Years later, I saw the production again to see if the musical would suit our young cast and once I realised that it would and the performing rights became available, the journey began. This has been both exciting and very rewarding and I have once again been fortunate to work with such an enthusiastic and dedicated cast of young people.”
For a photo slideshow and to view (or download) high-resolution photos from the production, please visit the following page:
Legally Blonde slideshow and photos
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Legally Blonde Programme (PDF)
You can view a video of our Legally Blonde dress rehearsals by clicking on the following link:
Disco Inferno (2016)
As a group, it is increasingly difficult to find shows that appeal to cast and audiences alike, but Disco Inferno was certainly one of these. Having performed this show back in 2007, we felt that it was a great time to provide another tribute to the era, particularly given the resurgence of 1970s music and the tragic death of David Bowie.
We were delighted to be the recipient of the Hinchingbrooke School Foundation Award, celebrating its 400th Anniversary, which enabled us to build a stunning set and hire a Saturday Night Fever LED dance floor from UK Events Hire.
For a photo slideshow and to view (or download) high-resolution photos from the show, please visit the following page:
Disco Inferno slideshow and photos
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
You can view a video of our Disco Inferno dress rehearsals by clicking on the following link:
Singin’ in the Rain (2015)
2014 had been very eventful, including performing Les Miserables to sell-out audiences every night, having a new Patron, moving to a new, larger scenery storage unit and accepting the Mayor of Huntingdon’s Community Service Award. Simon Jeffery also joined the group in 2014 as Co-Director, bringing a wealth of expertise (and youth!), adding a new dimension to the group.
Our 2015 show was Singin’ in the Rain. This was our first experience of ‘hiring in’ a professional set as recreating the iconic Gene Kelly rain scene required some serious amounts of water and electrics! Singin’ in the Rain gave the costume department some light relief from the drab, bedraggled costumes of the previous year and one of our cast members the opportunity of creating a black-and-white silent movie to complement the show. This was certainly a demanding production with numerous set and costume changes plus a variety of dance styles. Once again, a show of this magnitude could not have been delivered without the willing band of volunteers who choreographed, costumed, set built and orchestrated the show to the highest level.
For a photo slideshow and to view (or download) high-resolution photos, visit the following page:
Singin’ in the Rain slideshow and photos
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Singin’ in the Rain Programme (PDF)
You can view a video of our Singin’ in the Rain dress rehearsals by clicking on the following link:
Les Misérables (2014)
For our 10th anniversary, the group wanted to do something spectacular and we were delighted to secure the performing rights for the schools’ edition of Les Misérables. As a team, we felt that we needed to create a look as close to the West End show as possible. Over a six-month period, the team built the entire set, including the famous barricades, in an aircraft hangar at Alconbury and sourced the hundreds of authentic period costumes required. In addition, Mick Brightwell, our Props Manager, constructed all of the muskets from scratch. During rehearsals, we were delighted to welcome Richard Woodford, the West End’s Javert, who came along and ran three workshops for us and subsequently agreed to become our Patron.
For a photo slideshow and to view (or download) high-resolution photos, visit the following page:
Les Misérables slideshow and photos
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Les Misérables Programme (PDF)
Some Like It Hot (Sugar) (2013)
2012 had been eventful to say the least, including the arrival of a new sponsor, a move of premises, a break-in and our Christmas Cracker spectacular, plus We Will Rock You.
A huge thank you to Urban & Civic, our sponsors, for such fantastic storage facilities on Alconbury Weald and also to Huntingdon Town Council and Marshalls Leasing for their financial support following our break-in.
Wood Green Animal Shelter was our nominated Charity in 2012 and we were delighted by the level of support for our Christmas Cracker, helping us raise £1500 for the Shelter.
In 2013, we returned to traditional musical theatre with Some Like It Hot. It was a demanding production with numerous set and costume changes plus a variety of dance styles. Our audiences were transported to the ‘Roaring Twenties’ where flapper dresses were all the rage and men occasionally dressed as women!
Click on the following link to view or download photos:
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Some Like It Hot Programme (PDF)
Schools Will Rock You (2012)
In 2011, we were extremely lucky to secure the performing rights of the schools version of We Will Rock You, and the Spotlight team worked hard to deliver a performance worthy of the West End.
Each show comes with its own challenges and this one was no different. In addition to trying to recreate that unique Queen sound, we also had to put together a graphics package and lighting that shook the National Grid!
Every member of the cast and crew played their part in contributing to this awesome show. The set was huge and Kevin, our set builder, spent the summer building a Campa-van from scratch. These set pieces are still regularly hired to other groups across the country.
Click on the following link to view or download photos:
Schools Will Rock You photographs
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Schools Will Rock You Programme (PDF)
Fame (2011)
It was always going to be difficult to find a show to follow Hairspray and we were determined to deliver something that was both iconic and demanding. Paul, the Assistant Director at the time, had been a Fame fanatic since its first arrival in the West End and so we decided to ‘bite the bullet’ and not only deliver the show but bring it into the 21st century.
We had a large cast of 70, of whom 60 were brand new members, with an average age of just over 14. Rehearsals were tough, stretching dance, singing and acting abilities. The show demanded four-part harmonies and a huge variety of dance genres, including ballet, street, Latin American and traditional theatrical. In addition, the parents of two of our cast members provided us with a car that was subsequently sprayed and accessorised to create the iconic Fame Taxi.
Click on the following link to view or download photos:
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Hairspray (2010)
When we were first granted performing rights to Hairspray, back in March 2009, a tingle of excitement ran through the team. Following the cast trip to the West End to see the show, this quickly changed to nervous fear!
Although, to the outsider, Hairspray appears to be a happy, fun-loving show, it soon became apparent that, behind all the hilarity, were some seriously difficult vocals, demanding dance routines and challenging characterisations. In addition, a West End style set needed to be constructed from scratch, including the giant Hairspray can; 1950s and 60s costumes had to be sourced and beehive hairdo’s had to be created!
With over two million people having now seen Hairspray in the West End, it was important to remain as true to the London show as possible. So, in September 2009, members of the Spotlight cast embarked on a gruelling rehearsal schedule, challenging them in more ways than any other previous show. Being true professionals, they all stepped up to the mark; audiences were astounded at the energy and commitment put in to the show by the cast and crew.
Click on the following link to view or download photos:
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Back to the 80’s (2009)
Having performed shows from different eras, we decided that it was time to give credit to the 1980s. This was the time when Michael Jackson and Rick Astley were ‘Kings of Pop’, fashion was big and Atari was cutting-edge technology. Always looking for something new, this show included a roller disco sequence, along with some of the most popular 1980s songs ever written. This resulted in a high-energy show with 80 people in the cast.
Click on the following link to view or download photos:
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Back to the 80’s Programme (PDF)
42nd Street (2008)
42nd Street is one of the most successful and longest running Broadway musicals of all time, featuring many well-known songs, exciting tap routines and a ‘feel-good factor’ storyline.
This time, the cast of 70 had the additional challenge of learning tap dance as well as lyrical dance, and we were so very proud of their achievements. Nippy Industries, based at Abbots Ripton, provided us with a spectacular set and we had a live band made up of 16 talented musicians from the Huntingdon area who, for the first time, appeared on stage.
Click on the following link to view or download photos:
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Disco Inferno (2007)
With a cast of 80, a spectacular set including the famous ‘Saturday Night Fever’ light-up dance floor, 500 costumes and a ten-piece band, this show combined a hilarious script, fantastic characters and a score of hits from the 1970s.
Disco Inferno took us back to the unforgettable era of glitter, flares and platform shoes and was a high-energy musical. The cast experiencing the ’70s for the first time soon got into the era. Luckily, that same year, there was also a revival of ’70s fashions in the clothing shops, which made sourcing some costumes that little bit easier.
Click on the following link to view or download photos:
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Bugsy Malone (2006)
Having already performed A Whitechapel Tale in February 2006, we madly decided to stage another show in October of the same year. Never again!
With a very short rehearsal period, the cast of 80 talented young people once again delivered a stunning performance. Backstage, the scenery and costume team built a fantastic set and sourced over 400 costumes. The show was supported by a 14-piece jazz band, made up entirely of volunteers. Once again, the show sold out.
Click on the following link to view or download photos:
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
A Whitechapel Tale (2006)
During our Grease rehearsals, our Musical Director, Simon Pergande, invited us to listen to the soundtrack of a new show, which he had been writing over a number of years with his close friend Mike Lewis. Having listened to the music, we knew that it had all of the ingredients required for an exciting new production. Therefore, when the two writers offered the chance to put this on stage, it was an opportunity we could not refuse and A Whitechapel Tale became a reality.
This was one of the biggest sets we had ever built, representing the East End of London and our Musical Director’s wife, Marion, set about creating costumes for Victorian London. We were delighted to have premiered this show and since then it has been performed across the UK.
Click on the following link to view or download photos:
A Whitechapel Tale photographs
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
A Whitechapel Tale Programme (PDF)
Grease (2005)
In 2004, Spotlight Productions was invited to become the resident youth theatre at Hinchingbrooke School as part of the school’s aim to achieve performing arts status. 170 young people turned up to the very first auditions and it was with a heavy heart that our final cut reduced the number to 70. However, what a fantastic team it was, with loads of energy, bundles of talent, lots of noise and a genuine desire to deliver at the very highest standard.
Determined not to hire anything, the production team built the whole set, including the Grease car, and sourced costumes for everyone. Running for five performances, the show was a complete sell-out and was the launch-pad for the future of the group.
Click on the following link to view or download photos:
You can view or download the programme for the show in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
Please contact us
If you would like more information about our current production, or any of our previous shows, please contact us.
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