Every year the New Vic provides thousands of children with an unforgettable theatrical experience over the festive period. For many local children, the New Vic Christmas show marks their first introduction to the world of theatre, and can often make quite a lasting impression.
One person who has shared this experience is Farrah Hughes who visited the New Vic during a school trip in 2011 to see Alice in Wonderland, a show that caught her imagination so much it inspired her to pursue an acting career!
Having graduated from East 15 Acting School in July this year, Farrah makes her professional debut as City Guard in this year’s Christmas production, The Three Musketeers. Farrah realised whilst on stage during the first day of rehearsals that one of her earliest memories of the theatre derived from a visit to the New Vic with her primary school 14 years ago!
Recounting this moment Farrah said: ‘It was mind-blowing. It wasn’t until I started rehearsals that it all came flooding back to me and I remembered I had been here before! Oh, it feels wonderfully fulfilling, I stood on stage looking up at the seats thinking wow… fast forward fourteen years later and look at all that’s happened. It did honestly make me a little teary.’
Farrah travelled on the coach that day from Longford Park Primary School in Coventry and recalled how exciting this trip had been for her and her friends:
‘My friends and I were so excited as we knew a coach trip away to the theatre was really special! We got to the front doors and I remember how big everything felt, I could just about see over the box office desk. My teacher gave me my ticket and I was told to ‘show the lady’ as we entered the auditorium, then we headed to the balcony. We were so high up, it felt like we were in the sky! As soon as the lights went down I felt that bubbling feeling of excitement in my tummy when you know a show is about to start.’
When asked whether this production in particular had inspired her acting journey, Farrah said:
‘It absolutely propelled my love and desire to work in theatre. To see how everything worked, the different types of stages there are… Growing up, theatre trips were a treat for sure, so when it did come around it was the best feeling in the world. I never wanted that feeling to stop, so rather than just watching I became part of it!’
Rehearsals began for the New Vic’s festive show in late September. Farrah described what it has been like so far to be part of the 16-strong cast as they approach opening night on Friday 15 November:
‘If I had a pound for every time I have laughed during this rehearsal process… I would have enough to buy a new house. Everyone has such an infectious energy and we enjoy creating every scene – especially when there’s something funny happening. Theresa [Heskins] is a fabulous director that brings joy and passion into her work and since there is so much action in the play there is a lot of emphasis on staying healthy and keeping fit – we are doing a lot of shows so being at the top of our game is very important.’
New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins coincidently also adapted and directed the 2011 version of Alice in Wonderland that inspired Farrah’s journey. Much in the same way as Alice, The Three Musketeers is packed with fast-paced action, music, and adventure – providing lots of fun and excitement for all the family.
Capturing the true essence and importance of theatre for young people, Farrah summed up her feelings: ‘I hope this show inspires a child in the audience this Christmas just like it did to me all those years ago.’
The Three Musketeers takes to the stage at the New Vic from Friday 15 November 2024 to Saturday 25 January 2025. Tickets are on sale now, priced from £23.50. For more information and to book visit newvictheatre.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01782 717962.