Six Northampton women dare to rehearse and perform charity play in 26 hours

Six pals are performing Steel Magnolias to a live audience after just one day of practicing
By Carly Roberts
Published 5th Mar 2020, 16:14 BST
Updated 5th Mar 2020, 17:08 BST
The Steel Magnolias Marathon Challenge will see six women take on one play in 26 hours.The Steel Magnolias Marathon Challenge will see six women take on one play in 26 hours.
The Steel Magnolias Marathon Challenge will see six women take on one play in 26 hours.

A group of six friends are taking on a mammoth task of rehearsals, set preparation and performances - all within 26 hours - to fundraise for a London Marathon runner.

Audrey Tang, Reverend Mandy Mariott, Patsy Wright, Rebekash Lightburn, Natasha Jones and Heather Carr, are aiming to produce Robert Harling’s tale of strength through friendship at the Duston Community Centre next month as they perform Steel Magnolias.

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It comes as Audrey's husband David Sanderson is running the London Marathon this year for St Alban's grassroots charity, Club Rafiki, which is based in his home town and provides education for orphans in Kenya.

The women are taking part in the 26-hour challenge to represent every mile on the London Marathon course.

“My parents were both teachers and being in the field of education myself and providing such opportunities to young people is something close to my heart – and I wanted to assist David's fundraising," Audrey said.

"I’ve always been involved in community theatre as a hobby – I love the way it builds confidence and brings people together and I thought 'what if we were to do our own marathon?' Hence the idea took shape.

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“While I knew some of the women who make up the cast from previous productions, we have never all acted together, and it was very much a blessing that I happened to see Reverend Mariott in the Duston Player’s production of Oliver and knew she would be a great Ouiser (the role made famous by Shirley McLaine).”

Audrey has produced community theatre for many years, including Return to the Forbidden Planet, Calendar Girls and Beauty and the Beast at The Chrysalis Theatre in Milton Keynes, as well as taking shows to the Edinburgh Fringe, abroad and to local arts centres.

Steel Magnolias start their rehearsals at 5.30pm on Friday, April 17 at The Duston Community Centre before they take part in their performance on Saturday, April 18 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 and available on Event Brite and can be bought by clicking here. Limited tickets can be bought on the door on April 18.

Related topics:Northampton