HISTORY
The Harlequins was initially started in 2006 by Jonathan Southall as a student production company staging their first production of 'Jack and the Beanstalk' written and Directed by Jonathan.
In 2007 Jonathan decided that he wanted to open the group to the public and wanted to offer his knowledge and experience of theatre so far to the next generation of aspiring young actors.
After successfully staging 'The Wizard of Oz' Jonathan made it the groups ambition to perform at the Palace Theatre. Not realising how popular and successful the group would become that dream was granted quicker than expected.
In 2009 The Harlequins staged their first production of 'Annie' to SELL OUT audiences every night. This great success inspired Jonathan and his team to choose a show which was going to really challenge the young performers and secured the licence to perform 'Les Misérables School Edition' during its 25th Anniversary.
'Les Misérables School Edition' was a triumph and audience members returned to watch the show again and again. This production has set the standard of all Harlequin shows and Jonathan intends to keep pushing the performers further and to maintain the high standard he has achieved so far.
In 2010 Jonathan wanted to make the group more accessible to more aspiring performers so decided to set up weekly performing arts classes that ensure everyone can get involved.
Following the idea of including everyone Jonathan decided to set up a company for adults (Harlequin Theatre Company) who will stage one production a year at the Palace Theatre in Redditch. The group is open to everyone aged 18+.
2011 witnessed The Harlequins most lavish production to date, 'The Wizard of Oz.' With over 60 members in the cast it was by far the largest show staged by The Harlequins Drama Group. With a production budget of £25.000 the show included a professional orchestra, original RSC Costumes, spectacular special effects, beautiful scenery and real flying!! The show was a great success and all those in the audience were amazed at both the quality and professionalism of all the students performing, most of them forgetting that the actors were indeed young adults and not professionals.
2013 marks The Harlequins 5th Birthday a celebration Jonathan is very proud of. With this in mind Jonathan has big plans for the year of 2013 staging the biggest most lavish production to date.
PREVIOUS PRODUCTIONS
2007......................The Wizard of Oz
2008.......................................Oliver!
2008......Beauty and the Beast (Panto)
2009.........................................Annie
2009.......................Cinderella (Panto)
2010......Les Misérables Scool Edition
2010...................Alice in Wonderland
2011.......................The Wizard of Oz
2011...........................Sweeney Todd
2011................Jack and the Beanstalk
PREVIOUS SUMMER SCHOOLS
2009.............................Bugsy Malone
2010.......................Guys and Dolls Jr
2011.......Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr