I’ll be there for you! My First composer Lloyd Gorman’s joy at ambassador role

Rehearsals for My First Panto: Cinderella Rocks start soon. Regular composer  Lloyd Gorman and The Garage go way back.

Our newest ambassador said: “Growing up in Norwich, as a teenager I watched The Garage be converted into the building you see today. As a young adult, I rehearsed and took classes there with The Theatre Royal Arts Courses.

“The Garage has and continues to provide me with opportunities. Professionally I have had the chance to write music and songs for all the My First series of shows co-produced by it and All-In Productions. 

“These are designed specifically for young audiences to give them their first taste of theatre in an inviting and interactive way.

“My First Panto: Little Red Riding Hood – which I wrote songs and music for – was the opening show at The Garage’s sister venue The Workshop in King’s Lynn in 2019. I look forward to being able to create work alongside that venue for its audiences in the future.

“The Garage Trust is a vital resource and arts institution for Norfolk and the region as a whole. 

“Specialist, dedicated, passionate and experienced staff and freelancers harness and nurture the talent and enthusiasm of young people to encourage them to be whoever and whatever they want to be.

“The range of opportunities is vast. There is something for everybody. I’m passionate about producing theatre for the county and feel privileged to be able to support the trust, just as it has supported me.

“I am looking forward to continuing to be able to promote and champion the work of both The Garage and The Workshop.

“I’m not sure how qualified I am to impart any kind of wisdom or inspiration, but I try to live by the following – work hard, follow your instincts, use your skills, grab all opportunities and enjoy creating.

“Theatre and art is important, so take it seriously but also remember to have fun and be nice while you’re at it.”

He is one of several new ambassadors. Joining him are:

Richard Jordan is described by The Stage as “one of the UK’s most prolific producers”. A new writing and musical theatre specialist, he’s been at the forefront of developing and presenting works by a diverse range of established and emerging UK and international writers and artists.

Gabriel Mokake is an actor who has appeared in Netflix’s Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey which was partly shot in Norfolk. He’s currently in Frozen the Musical (Theatre Royal Drury Lane).

Alex Sturman is an actor and teacher at The Urdang Academy who has performed in many productions including Sir Matthew Bourne’s tour of Swan Lake (UK, Asia and USA) and with Jessie J for Strictly Come Dancing.

We, All-In Productions and our sister venue The Workshop in King’s Lynn can’t wait to have a ball with everyone at My First Panto: Cinderella Rocks.

Poor Ella just wants to be a famous rock star, but her sour-faced sisters sabotage her dreams like little Simon Cowells. Can you help her headline the royal party this Christmas?

Boasting an all-female cast, the show runs 26 November 2021 – 16 January 2022 at The Garage and 8-13 December 2021 at The Workshop. Click each venue to find out more and book tickets.

Don’t forget, our autumn term of classes at both venues is in full swing. Find out more about those by visiting each venue’s websites.

Interested in a career in the creative arts? Our HNC Programme in Performing Arts just welcomed its latest cohorts.

Find out how you can follow in their footsteps by checking out our accredited qualifications page.

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