Back in May 2000, two young Bradford women were working as dressers at Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre. Busily ironing away at a pile of costumes, Laura Kane and Emma Bowskill soon got chatting about their love of the theatre and their plans for the future.
It turned out Laura had already attempted to stage a play at her university, and Emma was keen to put on a version of Little Women in her home. In fact, Emma had already written the script, designed the costumes, planned the set and cast the roles. Within minutes, the ambitious pair were planning their first production meeting!
In August of that year, Spot On! put on Little Women as it’s debut performance at Skipton Town Hall, closely followed by A Christmas Carol at Baildon’s Ian Clough Hall in December.
In September 2001, the group staged a glamorous 1950s version of Shakespeare’s popular comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Bingley Arts Centre in Bradford. The ambitious production was supported financially by Awards for All (http://www.awardsforall.org.uk), which helps small organisations that bring the local community together. The play was also given a three night run at Skipton Little Theatre.
Spot On!'s next project was 'King Arthur and Clifford the Craven' - a collaboration with the Skipton Players. The Blackadder-style spoof (see picture above) was performed outdoors in front of enthusiastic crowds at the Skipton Medieval Markets on December 16th 2001, and featured debuts from three new Spot On! members.
Spot On!'s final production - Emlyn Williams’ Night Must Fall - was performed at Skipton Little Theatre on Thursday 14th, Friday 15th and Saturday 16th March 2002.
The group was then disbanded, with co-founder Emma Bowskill leaving Bradford for a one-year professional drama course at The Rep College in Reading.
Throughout its two year history, Spot On! attracted considerable media coverage, with regular articles and pictures appearing in the Telegraph & Argus, Keighley News, Craven Herald, and also on the BBC Bradford Online Web site. Members of the group also appeared on Bradford Community Broadcasting and BBC Radio Leeds.
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