HEART AND SOUL: Local actor Anthony Lewis performed in the Rocky Hill Musical Theatre Company’s production, About Time. He will direct the next show, Jungle $ells, written by Chris Gordon. Photo: Peter Oliver.

When COVID restrictions were first implemented over a year ago, a lot of things came to an abrupt halt.

In addition to limits to travel, business and everyday lifestyles, the performing arts were also curtailed for a lengthy period and that filtered all the way down to community productions.

On the day theatrical restrictions were instigated, the Rocky Hill Musical Theatre Company (RHMTC) production of About Time was two days short of opening night. Despite three months of rehearsals, of learning songs and dances and dialog, the Show had to be called off within hours of meeting its first audience.

“It was a bitter pill to swallow,” he said.

“It was tough to make the call that the show wouldn’t go ahead and tougher still breaking the news to the cast and crew. In the scheme of things, people’s health and livelihoods were suffering so it wasn’t on that scale. And other groups … sporting groups, theatrical companies, performers… all sorts of activities were affected in roughly the same way. But it was tough.”

The RHMTC has since stepped back on the stage with its hugely popular Madagascar Jr, the musical, and now, Anthony is preparing for his next show, a Christmas musical called Jingle $ells to be performed in late November/early December.

While Anthony has accumulated a wealth of experience in productions for the Argyle Society, Lieder Theatre and the RHMTC over many years, Jingle $ells marks his directorial debut and he is keen to push on despite the chance of more pandemic related restrictions.