|
deafPLUS Stardust deaf festive variety show - 5th December 2009 at Stratford Circus, East London
This year’s show, the second annual deaf arts event organised by deafPLUS, was held at the popular East End theatre venue, the Stratford Circus. After many months of preparation, led by event organiser, Maria Barroso, the day of the 5th December finally arrived!
The event was a showcase of the best of deaf talent in a variety of art forms, with acts from both professionals and amateurs from across the globe. The day of the show began with introductions and an opportunity for the performers to get to know each other – some having travelled from across Europe. The rehearsals began in the 300-seater theatre with lighting and music set up to suit each performer. Venue staff were on hand with their technical expertise, keen to put into practice the signing they had learnt at the deaf awareness training given by deafPLUS staff Maria Barroso and Jason Barnett.
The Stratford Circus venue bar was packed by 7pm with members of the deaf community and their family and friends arriving for a catch up before the main event. Despite the cold and rain and the X Factor semi-finals on TV, many made the journey the East end venue to see the latest in deaf talent.
After a grand introduction by the host MC, Umesh Valjee from BBC’s ‘Switch’ and Organiser Maria Barroso, the show began! First out to perform was Deaf magician Johnny Fantastica. Johnny has won awards for his magic and is President of the Society of World Deaf Magicians. Johnny required the help of two willing audience participants for his performance and had the crowd in stitches laughing at his antics.
Next up was Rebecca-Anne Withey from the West Midlands. Rebecca is a regular at deaf arts events and has been performing her singed songs since she was a young girl. Her expressive and emotional performance of Madonna’s ‘Crazy for you’ ‘was a delight to watch and she looked amazing! After Rebecca the next on the stage were sisters Nehal and Jayeesha Bhogaita. The sisters looked beautiful in their traditional Asian dress and wowed the audience with their Bollywood-style routine before next solo artist Deki Sathayan appeared with her own unique style of Asian dance. Umesh and Maria kept the audience intrigued with live interviews on each performer to find out a bit more about them. German-born Kabir Kapoor appeared with his signed poetry called ‘The Five Languages of Love’. The next treat in store for the crowd was Rob Roy, the Australian comedian and performer at this year’s Festival Clin d’oeil in France. After Rob came the interval and the audience enjoyed refreshments in the bar and a chat with old friends before the variety acts continued.
Johnny Fantasitca kicked off the second half with another wacky performance and Rebecca also came back on with another signed song – the festive hit - Mistletoe and Wine, getting everyone in the Christmas mood!
Popular favourite, Ricky Hoyte, got a great response to his signed version of Britney Spears ‘I am slave for you’. Next up was Richard Carter from Bristol, he performed signed poetry about school life. After another captivating dance from the Bhogaita sisters, last to end a great night was Rob Roy, performing more of his ‘Deaf man walking’ routine to round up the festival.
Maria and Umesh said their farewells and got a huge applause from the audience for all the talented performers. Maria received a lovely bouquet from deafPLUS Services Manager Phillip Gardner for all her hard working in making the event an enormous success. And then there was just enough time for the audience to enjoy a bit more catching up in the bar.
The festival could not have happened without the help of volunteers who helped with design work as well as looking after the audience and performance. Thanks also to the lovely staff at Stratford Circus and compliments to the chef for the delicious food provided. Many thanks also go to MC guest Umesh Valjee who kept the atmosphere alive with his warmth and vast sense of humour, and also for showing his appreciation to the hostess, Maria Barroso, without whom there would have been no event.
deafPLUS looks forward to seeing everyone again next year with a whole host of performances from the best in deaf arts and culture. We have received a lot of positive feedback about the overall event and people asked if there will be next year event? Watch this space and make sure you join us there!
Maria Barroso – Event organiser, deafPLUS
For queries on future events, please contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or write to deafPLUS, Trinity Centre, Key Close, Whitechapel, London E1 4HG.
Please scroll down the page to see more pictures of this wonderful event. Photos courtesy of Ali Azaizi. Many thanks Ali!
|
