Feature - The Chicago Blues Brothers Show 09
On October 22nd, the ARTS team arrived at the Playhouse in Norwich to meet the ‘Chicago Blues Bros’. Many of us had performed with them in previous years, but there was still the familiar thrill and anticipation of the Show ahead. We had 4 teams each of about 12 dancers performing to a variety of different Blues Bros favourites including ‘Shake a Tailfeather’ ‘Knock on Wood’ and ‘I feel Good’. Our rehearsal with the band was late starting due to some technical issues with equipment, so we set to work in the auditorium plaiting hair and applying make-up whilst eating our packed dinners! We only had a short time to go through our routines, and despite a limited amount of space, and some differences in the music – we were ready to go!

We went backstage to our dressing-rooms which due to the size of the Playhouse consist of an unused staircase, a hallway and the laundry room! But we settled in and actually had plenty of room, and then set to work on beating the world record for the fastest eaten tin of celebrations! (courtesy of Dave the trumpet player).

It was then time to don our white shirts, black ties and hats, not forgetting of course our biggest smiles and perform our routines for the audience. The show went by really quickly, everyone in the audience was singing and dancing and the atmosphere was really buzzing! The band were fantastic as always and so were the Blues Bros – they all have so much energy onstage and its great to see them perform and be part of the Show.

We ended with a Finale, where we actually managed to get all of us onstage (with some of the older girls in the audience) and could enjoy the atmosphere one last time before going home to bed!
We only do the Show twice, but it’s so much fun to do and we all enjoy every minute of it!