Father and son return to Wakefield stage during gala performance
As Theatre Royal Wakefield puts the final preparations in place for its Gala Night: 40 Years Reimagined, which takes place on Saturday 21st March from 7.30pm, behind the scenes it is very much a family affair.
Darren Johnson, trustee of the Theatre and actor featuring in Coronation Street, Emmerdale Farm and The Royal, is rehearing for his part as compare and performerduring the celebrations.
Joined by his son, Joseph Johnson, who will sing and dance during the event, both will return to the stage as alumni of the Performance Academy, or its precursors, having trained at Theatre Royal Wakefield more than three decades apart.
Back in the 1980’s, Darren joined Gallery 20 at the Theatre, which was the very first iteration of what would become the Performance Academy.
Remembering his time in the Club, he said: “When I was younger, all I ever wanted to do was to get on the stage.
"There wasn’t really the opportunity that there is now for young performers and when Gallery 20 launched, I was one of the first through the door. I simply couldn’t wait to get involved.
“Looking back, it was the best way to learn. Not only did it provide me with the basic skills that I needed but also a platform to be expressive and to try new things, which is so important for young performers.
“I know that a lot of those earlier lessons set the foundations for my career, which I’m still enjoying to this day.”
Following in his father’s footsteps, Joseph joined the Youth Performance Academy in 2012. With the same passion for the stage, he remained with the Theatre until leaving to pursue a full-time course in musical theatre at Emil Dale Academy in Letchworth Garden City.
Sharing his experience of the Youth Performance Academy, he comments:
“Growing up and seeing dad acting had a profound impact on me. I knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue a career in the arts and so having the opportunity to attend the Youth Performance Academy was the perfect place to start.
“Not only do you have the opportunity to learn but most importantly for many of us, to share our talents on the stage. There really is no better feeling.
“I can’t thank the Academy enough for all that they have done for me, and to return during the Gala as alumni is just brilliant. What’s more, to do it with my dad is extra special.”
Today, the Youth Performance Academy is a weekend performance training programme for young people in the Wakefield area. Each three-hour session trains young people aged 7-18 years to sing, dance and act.
In addition, PA Kids is a 1.5-hour weekly session that supports children aged 5-6 years to use their imagination through play using drama, dance and song. Spaces in both groups are supplemented thanks to funds from the Theatre, which are generated from events including the Gala Night.
With a show-stopping line up of acts including Darren and Joseph to keep the audience entertained, tickets are on sale for the Gala Night with three options available: three-course dinner and champagne reception: £100; champagne reception and show: £55 and show only: £15-£30.
For further details about the Theatre Royal Wakefield and the year-round schedule of shows and performances that it delivers, along with its community participation sessions, please visit: Gala Night: 40 Years Reimagined | Theatre Royal Wakefield