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Young drummer steps in
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| DRUM ROLE: Stand-in drummer Matthew Thurtell in the Pavilion orchestra pit with members from WOW |
A YOUNG drummer has stepped in to save WOW Youth Musical Theatre's latest show after the group's regular sticksman was forced to pull out.
Members were left panicking when veteran drummer Dave Osland was hospitalised with a back injury - just two days before the start of their current production.
But Matthew Thurtell, 18, came to the rescue and has been busy preparing for tonight's opening performance.
Matthew, of Marina Gardens, Weymouth, said: "I'm really looking forward to it. I'm not too nervous because I've played lots of shows before.
"It's unfortunate what happened to Dave but I was happy to help. I'm always glad to play."
Cast and crew members were rehearsing for their show, WOW That's What I Call Music, when musical director Heather Reed got the bad news from Dave.
He told her there was no way he could perform after he fell badly while walking his dog on Tuesday morning.
WOW chairman Janet Stockley said: "It was a big blow to lose Dave, because he's very keen and works very hard. Obviously he's bitterly disappointed to have let us down but that's showbusiness for you.
"We all wish him a speedy recovery. It was panic stations because if we hadn't found anyone else we'd have been in a real pickle."
Mrs Reed rang around for replacements and tried Thomas Hardye School student Matthew, whose sister Jess is a WOW member.
He was attending an open day at Trinity College in London but rushed to rehearsals at Weymouth Pavilion as soon as he returned.
Mrs Stockley said: "Matthew looked a bit shell- shocked because there was a lot to learn.
"I don't know how nervous he'll be because obviously he's stepped in at the last minute.
"But he's from a very musical family and I'm confident he'll do a great job. He's excited too, it'll be a great experience."
Janet is hopeful the show, which features music old and new including the best of Broadway, the West End and the movies, will be a success despite the setback.
She said: "This is the first time anything like this has happened to us, we've never had such an emergency.
"For the sort of music we're doing a strong drummer is absolutely essential, so we're very grateful to Matthew.
"Apart from Dave's injury though we're all ready and raring to go. Hopefully with a bit of luck we'll be just fine tonight."
WOW members are dedicating the show to their late president, councillor Lynne Herbert, who died in February.
WOW That's What I Call Music runs from tonight until Saturday. Tickets are available from the Weymouth Pavilion box office on 01305 783225.
11:49am Thursday 27th March 2008
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