Youngsters from Theatretrain King’s Lynn performed with the Ellen Kent Opera Company at the Corn Exchange despite no rehearsals

A group of performing youngsters put on a fantastic show despite having no rehearsals.

Last Tuesday, six Theatretrain King’s Lynn students aged from six to 15 performed in Madama Butterfly with the Ellen Kent Opera Company at the town’s Corn Exchange.

The youngest student, Amelia Hill, six, took on the role of Sorrow, Madama Butterfly’s son.

Kate Whyborn, a teacher at Theatretrain Lynn, said: “It was very challenging for her as she had no rehearsal – just one walk-through with the director on the evening, which she took in her stride like a professional.”

It was Amelia’s first time on a big stage, having previously only performed in-house at Springwood High School before.

Kate added: “The performance was absolutely brilliant. We have performed with them several times and we are performing again in April.

“It is always a pleasure to take the children along to professional performing where they get to experience the costume department and the wig department. They kind of get the real professional treatment.”

The performance was a challenge for the students as they did not get any rehearsals beforehand.

The show’s director only showed them what their parts were going to be on the night, but they all managed their roles exceptionally well.

“It is a really good learning experience for them, to experience both the kind of professional treatment but also having to really take directions on the spot and act on it straight away,” Kate said.

“We were very proud of them all. They conducted themselves with professionalism and enjoyed the experience of working with a professional cast.”

The Theatretrain group has been providing performing act classes in Lynn for 20 years, and has sessions every Saturday morning at Springwood High School.