A REDDITCH theatre company has achieved an Epic success after being named runner up in a nationwide competition.
Jestaminute Community Theatre (JCT) – a not for profit ensemble – was nominated for its panto production of ‘The Needlewitch is Coming’ which was developed as a partnership between JCT and Redditch East Aspiring Communities Hub cic (REACH).
It brought together residents of all ages and backgrounds from Winyates and the wider Redditch area to make it a truly community-oriented event.
Helped by Jestaminute’s expert team of creatives, the group combined their talents to develop the pantomime from concept through to delivery, demonstrating skills in multiple areas including scripting, performing, costume design, staging and production management.
And the pantomime played an integral role in fostering relations across the community, drawing help from multiple groups.
Volunteers from the local Sheds group helped build scenery and props, whilst local school Ipsley CE RSA Academy staged the two public performances giving pupils invaluable experience managing the lighting and sound.
The Epic Awards, now in their tenth year, are the premier awards for community and volunteer-led creative projects based in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.
The Awards are run by Voluntary Arts, which promotes participation in creative, cultural activities.
Philip Roberts, trustee and secretary of Arts in Redditch said: “We were absolutely delighted to hear that Jestaminute Community Theatre, one of our longstanding members, has achieved national recognition.
“For some time, we have been encouraging local arts groups to put themselves forward for this prestigious award, and it’s great that the first Redditch group to do so has been recognised in this way.”
Robin Simpson, chief executive of Voluntary Arts said: “The things people achieve through their own creativity and voluntary endeavour, often with little support or resources, are truly amazing and make a massive difference to the lives of their friends, neighbours and communities.”
