Somewhere Over The Rainbow
In November the Amateur Dramatics Group, the Algarveans, dazzled audiences with their production of the Wizard of Oz. For the main actors, it was a life-changing experience allowing them to fulfil ambitions, conquer demons and discover new talents at the end of their personal rainbows. We meet them to find out more.
Abigail Townson - Dorothy
Abby was born in Portimao in 1987 to British parents. She credits living in Portugal with giving her an ear for different accents, which has helped in her future career.
She always dreamt of being an actress and at 18 was accepted on a one-year acting foundation course in North London, which led to a two-year professional acting course at The Bridge Theatre Training Company.
Her acting credit includes touring in panto and a stint as a Scare actor at the London Dungeon!
In 2012 Abby moved back to Portugal to be near her family after a traumatic and unforeseen event. She started to build up her confidence again and became a voice-over actress and artist.
When she auditioned and won the role of Dorothy in the Algarveans production of the Wizard of Oz it was a dream come true. “When I was a kid I used to play at being Dorothy and watched the film over and over.”
"Being on stage again was a personal and emotional challenge. I have now regained some confidence and would definitely like to pursue more theatre projects "
She recommends that people consider joining the Algarveans, especially children, as it is great for your mental health.
Frank Remiatte - The Lion
Frank retired to the Algarve recently from San Diego. He had been involved for many years in theatre in the US which he calls “a hobby and a bit of therapy.”
His passion has always been musical theatre and he has played lead and supporting roles in over 30 productions. As well as a bit of directing and producing.
After many years of working in insurance, he tells me, “Theatre is an escape from the Real World, a chance to be someone you might not normally get to be in real life.”
The Wizard of Oz has been a favourite since childhood. He had previously played the Tin Man in a professional house in San Diego but the Cowardly Lion was a “bucket list role for me.”
I ask him how he finds the Algarveans after San Diego? “I have found the standard to be very professional and I am fortunate to be part of it.”
He and his husband, a retired teacher, moved to the Algarve two years ago. “We fell in love with the country and the climate is very similar to Southern California.”
Frank has already started rehearsing for the next Algarveans production, "A Bunch of Amateurs”.
Carl Wilson - The Scarecrow
Carl, who works behind the bar at Fabrica in Praia da Luz, had never acted before when he got the part of the Scarecrow. His parents have been in the Algarve for 13 years and he moved here permanently 2 ½ years ago.
“The bar has always been my stage,” he jokes. The owner of Fabrica, Nikki Weijdon has been involved with the Algarveans for years and introduced Carl to the director, Karen Barroso, at a BBQ. “I had drunk a few beers and was larking around as usual and she asked me to audition.”
He originally auditioned for the Tin Man but got the part as the Scarecrow, “I think the fact that the scarecrow has gangly legs, dances around and doesn´t have a brain, won me the part!”
He tells me he was totally out of this comfort zone initially but, “everyone was so experienced and friendly I just relaxed into it really quickly.”
He claims acting is a fantastic way to express himself now he is in his ´30s. He has totally caught the acting bug and auditioned for and won a part in the next production.
Alan Smith - Tin Man
This was Alan´s first production for the Algarveans, but having been in many amateur dramatic productions for the theatre group, Avalon in South London, he was well within his comfort zone.
His most notable parts have been playing the Dame in panto and Manuel in a stage version of Fawlty Towers. His experience in music goes back to the 1970s when he achieved moderate success with a band, producing a number of records but never quite making it into the top 40.
He then went into musical production making jingles and singing in adverts. Later he went into the family business but kept up his passion for music with performing cabaret spots and later theatre groups. His son caught the bug and is also a professional actor touring with Shakespeare companies.
Alan retired to the Algarve in 2017 and says amateur dramatics in brilliant for bringing out your hidden talents and finding confidence.
The Algarveans next production 2A Bunch of Amateurs”, by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman is being directed by Paul Kloegman and will be performed on 27th, 28th and 29th February in Lagoa.
