News / Tell Wiz comeback show
LOCAL dialect group Shetland ForWirds is seeking cast members to restage the classic musical Tell Wiz first staged at Lerwick’s Garrison Theatre in 1958.
The musical was penned by Ronnie Mathewson with mostly dialect lyrics by Harry Kay, with scenes from the history of Lerwick, the departure of the Greenland whalers, the herring fishing days and the Baker’s Well.
The original production was a roaring success and has gone down in history as a highlight of Shetland entertainment, so much so that individual scenes have occasionally been revived.
One or two of the songs have become firm local favourites, including:
‘Boy thingummy Whalsa, gie du me a fry!
Du haes a kindly glinder in dee eye
Me faider an me midder
Me sister an me bridder
Der ten o wis aatagidder, coontin Aunty Jessie…’
Now as part of the Year of Shetland Dialect, Shetland ForWirds are hoping to stage the musical in 12 months.
Group member Laureen Johnson said: “We hoop ta bring Tell Wiz tae a couple o new generations at’s never hed da opportunity to see a live production o wan o Shetland’s best-loved shows.”
Committee member Christian Tait, a former musical director for many Islesburgh productions, is enthusiastic about taking on the project.
“The music is wonderful and we are very grateful to the late Billy Kay for his permission to use the material, and for all his help and encouragement.”
Islesburgh Drama Group has agreed to help stage the show with president Margaret Mouat taking on the role of producer.
Now the team are looking for actors and singers of all ages to take part, along with people who can help backstage as well.
Anyone interested in taking part can contact Christian Tait on 01595 693895, Morag Mouat on 01595 695952 or Laureen Johnson on 01806 588252. Alternatively they can email Shetland ForWirds at info@shetlanddialect.org.uk
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