This week I find myself in Praia de Luz meeting Sue Whittle (pictured) who is the choreographer for the upcoming Algarveans’ production of Down At The Old Bull & Bush.
I meet Sue at her home and immediately it becomes apparent that Sue is more than a choreographer as the room is covered in a sea of material which, it turns out, are dresses for the chorus.
I ask Sue what led her to dancing. “I started going to tap and ballet dancing lessons at the age of eight and went from there to stage school in East Grinstead. I then went to train at The Royal Ballet School at 17 and, after two years, was invited to join The Royal Ballet Company where I went on to dance around the world.”
In 2003, Sue became involved with the Algarveans. “I am working with true professionals who commit themselves to a rigorous routine of singing and dancing every week.”
My eye is drawn to a bride’s headdress. “That’s for one of the girls in the chorus,” remarks Sue.
“Are all those skirts for the bridesmaids?” I ask. “No, those skirts are for the chorus. Other sewers are making can-can skirts and someone is making a set of tails for the Chairman,” she says.
So I casually ask who the Chairman is. “That would be telling,” says Sue. “Especially since I believe it’s a two horse race as there are two different measurements for the morning suit. Nice to meet you Mr Trevors but I really must get on. Goodbye.”
Well, I’m still none the wiser as to who the Chairman is going to be, especially as the waters have been muddied by the fact there could be two of them…
Down at The Old Bull & Bush Old Time Music Hall is taking place at Teatro Mascarenhas Gregório in Silves on March 31, April 1 and 2.
Tickets can be reserved by calling 966 211 634 or emailing algarveansboxoffice@gmail.com
By STEPHEN TREVORS
