Guinness World Record Holders Rubber Chicken Theatre are taking part in another mammoth effort - ‘24 Hours of Song’.
The non-stop sing-a-thon event will help raise funds for their widening access programme and their upcoming trip to the MTI Junior Theatre Festival in Birmingham this spring.
Singers of all ages are taking on their share of the 24-hour stint, which began at 7pm yesterday (Thursday) and ends at 7pm tonight (Friday) at Dunblane Christian Fellowship – where the performing arts group regularly rehearses and runs drama and musical theatre classes.
“This year there are no records to break, but our performing arts family are once again coming together to support a common goal,” said creative director Pamela Mackie. “Twenty-four hours is a long time to fill, but our family of resilient performers are no strangers to a challenge.”
The local record breakers gained their Guinness title in 2022 when they made a successful attempt for fastest theatrical production.
But this year’s challenge is one of endurance rather than speed – with a continuous performance, including through the night, by almost 100 singers.
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Pamela said: “As we take to the stage this week, we hope the local community will get behind our ambitious fundraiser and support us with donations either in person or online.”
Rubber Chicken Theatre believes every child should have access to high quality performing arts opportunities regardless of their background or finances and have implemented a policy to ensure that cost is never a barrier.
Pamela said: “Our goal is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where children from all walks of life can come together to learn, grow and shine. By making performing arts accessible to all, we hope to inspire a new generation of young performers and create a brighter future for everyone.”
Members of the public are welcome to support the performers as they sing their way through the night with back-to-back slots throughout - right up until 7pm tonight.
Pamela added: “Pop into the building during the challenge to watch the singers in action and show your support for your local performing arts family.”
The MTI’s Junior Theatre Festival brings together schools and youth groups from across the UK and Europe for a day of musical theatre mayhem. Rubber Chicken Theatre joins 1200 other participants at the ICC in Birmingham and has attended annually since 2019. The day encompasses performance opportunities, workshops presented by highly acclaimed teaching artists, and announcements of new work and showcases from world-renowned musical theatre performers.
Rubber Chicken Theatre have collected awards for their performances at the festival in the past.
Pamela said, “We’ve been producing shows, teaching and supporting the performing arts across Dunblane for 16 years. We love our wee performing arts family and welcome anyone interested in the arts to join.
“We’re a social enterprise and work with several local charities, organisations, and schools to provide access to the arts where there are barriers to participation.
“We offer drama classes, workshops, community choir, shows, and performing opportunities (on and off stage) for small children through to retired adults. No auditions are required - it’s about being part of a performing arts family, and building confidence, friendships and skills through the magic of theatre.”
The fundraising page is at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/24hoursofsong.
More information can also be found online at www.rubberchickentheatre.co.uk
