Doncaster comes together to celebrate 250 years of theatre at Cast
60 local performers, aged seven to 86, brought 250 years of Doncaster’s theatrical history to life in community show.
Waiting in the Wings was performed at Cast on September 5, 774 people attended two performances.
Written by Chris O’Connor and co-directed by James Blakey and Simon Jones, Waiting in the Wings was created through months of research, workshops and rehearsal.
The production drew on local archives, oral histories and community memories to explore the people, places and performances that have shaped theatre in Doncaster since the opening of the Theatre Royal in Market Place in 1776.
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Nicola Doyle, Community Engagement Manager at Cast, said: “What an achievement. A 60-strong community and cameo cast coming together to celebrate 250 years of theatre in Doncaster.
“And to the incredible cast and everyone who made Waiting in the Wings possible: thank you for reminding us what community, theatre and Doncaster can do when we come together.
“Here’s to the next chapter of Doncaster’s theatrical story.”
The performances also brought together a remarkable cross-section of Doncaster’s civic, cultural, political, community and business life.
Among those attending were Doncaster Central MP Sally Jameson, the Junior Civic Mayor Eliana Urah and Deputy Civic Mayor Cllr Nick Allen, alongside councillors, City of Doncaster Council representatives, darts, Arts Council England, Right Up Our Street, local artists, funders, community organisations and cultural partners.
Sally Jameson, MP (Doncaster Central) said: “It was great to see over 50 local performers come together and celebrate Doncaster’s performing arts history.
“Thank you to Cast and the Doncaster People’s Theatre for putting on the production.”
The production formed part of a wider project celebrating 250 years of theatre in Doncaster, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund with an award of £50,778.
Alongside Waiting in the Wings, the project included an exhibition (curated by Wren Albion and Sacha Grey from Doncopolitan) of Doncaster’s theatrical heritage and a documentary film by local filmmaker Raj Madaan.
Waiting in the Wings may have looked back 250 years, but its story is ultimately about what happens next - and the people who will continue to make theatre, culture and community part of Doncaster’s future.