ABSTRACT

The use of multi-skilled actors, who are not only able to act, sing and dance roles in a play or musical production, but also play one or more musical instruments as part of the orchestra, is greatly on the increase. Shows in this genre range from West End blockbusters, such as Buddy and Return to the Forbidden Planet, to smaller shows staged by repertory companies – The Watermill, Newbury, London Bubble Theatre Company and the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, are leading exponents in this field. Several of John Doyle and Sarah Travis’ innovative Watermill productions have transferred to the West End and Broadway, winning numerous awards. It therefore stands to reason, that the more skilled you are in these fields, the greater your chance of being employed – some would say that a triple threat has turned into quadruple. If you learned an instrument at school or during childhood, no matter how simple, take it up again and you could be surprised how quickly your aptitude returns. Playing the recorder could be a springboard to learning the clarinet, saxophone or bassoon; the piano may form the basis for the organ, harpsichord or accordion; and the acoustic guitar might give you the impetus to progress to the banjo, ukulele or electric bass. Many local authorities run adult education classes teaching musical instruments to beginners or those more advanced; details of these, and other tutors in your area, can usually be found at the library or by searching the internet.