Taking to the stage to support cancer charity

Taking to the stage to support cancer charity

14 August 2013

A GROUP of school friends have marked their 40th birthdays by treading the boards and raising over £2,000 for Marie Curie.

The Assumption Grammar School friends wanted to do something memorable to mark the milestone, but also wanted to raise money for Marie Curie nurses as some of the group had lost parents to cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Calling themselves Moondance Productions they performed Sue Townsend’s Bazaar and Rummage, a play about a group of agoraphobic women whose stories are both poignant and amusing, at Down Arts Centre.

Director and actor Marcelle Orsi said they were all very nervous about taking to the stage and unprepared for the extent of the event’s success.

“We had talked about this for a while and rehearsals were difficult with family and work commitments,” she said. “However, it all came together and could not believe the play was a sell-out. Not only were we able to raise a large amount for charity, we were able to do something we’ve talked about for years.

“I think we’ve all been bitten by the acting bug now so hopefully, we’ll do it all again in the future. It is wonderful to give something back to Marie Curie when they were there for us when we needed them.”

Between ticket sales and individual contributions the group have raised £2138, with money still coming in. To donate, go to justgiving/marcelleorsi or Moondance Productions web page.