A HALSTEAD theatre company will celebrate its tenth anniversary by turning into a semi-professional organisation.

Vikki V’s Theatre Productions turns 10 this month and will now look to perform with a mix of amateurs and semi professional performers, in the hope that the amateurs will learn from seasoned performers.

The company’s first show saw them perform Musical Magic in September 2006, selling out two performances at Halstead’s Empire Theatre, and going on to win an award for best musical.

Founder Victoria Walker said: “Vikki V’s has been a non profitable company which has raised money for many local and national charities which I am so very proud of. We will continue to raise monies for special charities with every production.

“It has taken 10 years before I made the choice to take Vikki V’s to semi professional.

“My decision for this is that I have a very loyal and talented group of individuals who have been with me for many years.

“Over the 10 years I have trained people in all areas of performance who have gone on to further education in performing arts, which makes it all worthwhile. It’s lovely when you have cast who come back and thank me for where they are today.

“With Vikki V’s now performing huge summer musicals in professional theatres such as the Quay in Sudbury, the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds and the Empire Theatre in Halstead, giving the group this amazing chance to sample what it is like in professional theatres for all ages is an invaluable experience.

“I also take the cast to a professional recording studio once a year which is something many companies don’t do, but I think it’s lovely to allow the cast to experience all aspects of the professional industry.”

Vikki V’s Theatre Productions will perform Summer Holiday The Musical twice at The Quay Theatre tomorrow.

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