FLICKY HARRISON finds out why Stage Struck pair are on their way

After 15 years at the helm of Stage Struck theatre company, Geoff Marsh and Jane Marie Osborne are bringing the curtain down.

For their swansong in charge of the popular comedy and music group the couple have chosen their favourite pantomime, Cinderella.

Stage Struck has always been a family affair with Geoff and Jane’s daughters Danielle and Samantha treading the boards alongside their parents, and it is to spend more time supporting the girls’ own stage craft at college that the couple are giving up Stage Struck.

Geoff said: “The people and the audiences have been brilliant for us. We have had a great time.

“It was something we always wanted to do, like having a giant train set, but now our time is done.’’ Recalling the highlights of the last 15 years, Geoff says his favourite was listening to Danielle singing Phantom of the Opera at the 25th anniversary of the theatre.

There is a musical ghost that haunts the Marshes as Jane sang Phantom of the Opera on the TV talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1986 with Bob Monkhouse as the host, and then in her last stage appearance in 2003 she again sang Phantom.

Following her success on the TV show, Jane found herself in demand on the professional circuit including a panto with Ted Rogers, singing with Lionel Blair on the Children’s Royal Variety Show and appearing on the Les Dawson Christmas show.

Jane studied both with Vera Bennett for her music and Molly Tanner for her dancing.

“It is thanks to Molly that Geoff and I met, she introduced us,’’ she said.

In 1999 Geoff was asked to compere a showcase at the Wyvern Theatre for Stage Struck and he agreed, also volunteering Jane as choreographer, despite the fact she had two small girls to care for.

“It was genuinely magic,’’ said Geoff.

“Each show got more ambitious and more outrageous with 50 members of the cast who can not dance all performing these amazing big production numbers, it was pure bluff.

“The girls joined us when they were seven and it was a hobby that we could all do together.’’ Encouraging the next generation has always been a huge part of Stage Struck and Geoff and Jane’s legacy is the many youngsters who have gone on to make theatre their career or simply gained confidence in all areas of life.

Stage Struck last performed Cinderella seven years ago and this time it will be the traditional pantomime running from Tuesday, November 25 to Saturday, November 29 at 7pm at the Swindon Arts Centre, Old Town.

“It will be the last time Ken Jell and I do our double act in a Stage Struck show. He is 80 now and still does six costume changes.

“We have a fantastic Cinders in Natasha Grifiths and Sammy is Dandini,’’ said Geoff.

Tickets are £11 from 01793 840757.