Manic April Member of the Month - Lucy

Manic Member of the Month

Every month we like to shout about one of our fabulous team members and this month we introduce you to .....

Lucy Penketh

Read on to hear what she has been up to as a professional performer and where it all began!

When did you start dancing?

I first started dancing at the age of 2 when I went along to a baby ballet class where my grandmother was an assistant teacher, I then moved on to learning tap, jazz singing and drama. I was very quickly bitten by the dancing bug, attending many classes a week to achieve my grades aswell as take part in local festivals and national competitions. Winning the British Arts Awards All Round Performer at their finals in London.

Where and when did you continue your training professionally?

After I had been to college and completed my A Levels I knew I wanted a career in the dance industry, I was accepted into Stella Mann College of Performing Arts, in which I completed a 3 year National Diploma Course in Professional Dance graduating in 2012. I was taught a lot of about the industry as well as furthering my dance training to the best it could be. Since then I have danced in a Cyprus, been in Bollywood Films, music videos and the MTV awards in India. Also a James Bond stunt show in Paris and Cruised Asia among many other destinations!

What are you currently doing?

I have recently been away with Costa Cruises, cruising Japan, Korea and China on the Costa Victoria. I have decided to have a summer at home after being away almost continuously since graduating in 2012. I am currently rehearsing with Manic Stage Productions and am very excited to be part of their 'Amazing Venues' Solent Forts team. Its so great to be performing constantly with the Manic Team, at various events and venues with such great local talent!

How long have you been part of Manic?

I started in 2013 with Manic and had my first gig within 2 weeks of joining! A scary but great experience! Since then in between contracts I have had the pleasure of doing a wide variety of gigs events and shows with the Manic team. From dancing with Sinitta to being a stilt walking leprechaun each event is well thought out rehearsed and delivered to a high professional standard, which I am extremely proud to be part of.

Do you have a Manic Highlight?

There have been many highlights with Manic! I look forward to class each week as everyone is so friendly and works really hard, but my main highlight would be the recent Fort du Soleil which we performed on No Man's Land Fort just last week. It was an incredible experience from start to finish, with the boat ride over to having a tour of the venue, then performing almost 3 seperate shows to enetertain the guests, with fire dancing, aerialists and some great singing! I cant wait to go back!!

What are your plans for the future?

I am always looking for new and exciting experiences and performance opportunities so who knows where my dance career will take me! I guess thats another reason I love it so much, as every week, month and year is so different!

For more information on Manic Stage Productions please visit our website www.manicsp.co.uk

or contact us at manicstageproductions@gmail.com to discuss the team performing at your next event

Manic's Member of the Month - Jan '15

Manic's Member of the Month!

*JESS*

This month we have chosen to introduce you to another member of our talented team, so you can get to know each of us a little better! 

This months Manic member is JESS!! 

Here's a bit about her and what she has been up to recently! Hope you enjoy!

When did you start dancing?

I started dancing at the age of three when my mum and dad sent me to ballet class. I was quite a shy child so my parents decided drama classes would be a real help in building my confidence. At the age of 10 I got the opportunity to perform on a West End Stage, and from that moment I knew that I wanted to make performing my profession. I loved it from the second I stepped out onto that stage.

What were your first performance experiences?

As a young dancer I was picked to perform with BALLET Russe in their performance of ‘Giselle’, performed in many shows at The Chichester Festival Theatre, and at the age of 16 I featured as a soloist on BBC radio 2. I also completed all of my major examinations in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, grade 7 singing and gained a distinction in my drama diploma.

Tell us about your training
I first trained at ‘ Emma Reynolds school of dance’ then on to ‘Art of Dance and Fitness’ in west sussex. At 18 I went on to train for three years at the prestigious ‘Laine Theatre Arts’. I had the most amazing three years there and learnt so much about the industry.

What was your 1st professional job?

My first job straight out of college was a world cruise performing as a singer/dancer on board ‘Voyages of Discovery’. I performed in musical medleys, cabarets, as a Vegas show girl, to Murder Mystery’s and Alan Ayckbourn’s short plays. We were certainly kept busy! I ended up accepting another contract on board shortly after.

When did you join Manic Stage Productions

I joined Manic in March 2013 and can’t quite believe how quickly the time has flown! I love being part of the Manic family!  

Everyone’s so friendly and incredibly supportive of one another.

Everyone at Manic is very busy, what have you been up to lately?

I currently teach Dance in the evenings for a local dance school and have recently returned from the land of Panto, in which I was Princess Jasmine In Aladdin. We toured all over London at different venues and was a wonderful new experience.

What have your Manic highlights been?

I’ve had so many exciting opportunities since joining Manic.  A few of my favourite gigs have been performing at Twickenham Stadium alongside ‘Little Mix’, performing on the Solent Forts and the children’s parties that we host are always such fun! 

Meeting every Tuesday for class with the team is something I always look forward to. Were always rehearsing or working towards something new and exciting!

To meet the rest of our team don't forget to subscribe and follow our blog. We have all sorts of exciting bookings coming up that we can't wait to tell you about, so watch this space!

For enquiries to discuss our bespoke entertainment for any occasion or corporate event do not hesitate to contact us at the following.

www.manicsp.co.uk

manicstageproduction@gmail.com 

Manic Member of the Month ~ February

This month we want you to meet our team member - Tony

SO HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PERFROMING?

I have been dancing since the age of 6 in and around Portsmouth and have studied in Ballet, Tap, Modern, jazz, Street dance, Ballroom & Disco Dancing. I come from a family with a performing background but it was always my choice to perform, none of this pushy parent malarkey. I performed with New Pantomime productions for over 8 years in there family pantomimes at the Kings Theatre Southsea. Over the years I got to perform with Lisa Riley, Lorraine Chase, Keith Harris and stars of Gladiators & Neighbours. One of the highlights of my career was winning the chance to perform at the London Palladium, performing alongside the cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. There’s no better feeling than performing to an amazing audience.

WHERE DID YOU TRAIN?

I’m a local lad so I trained at local schools in Portsmouth. I also discovered I had a voice whilst performing in Joseph & his Technicolor Dreamcoat and have had extensive vocal training. I gained a BTEC National Diploma in Musical Theatre and have been performing professionally ever since.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR MANIC?

I first worked with Manic over Christmas 2012 performing at local light switch ons and themed Christmas party nights. As well as this Manic also got me a contract to perform at some local Christmas markets, which was such a great experience. I have now returned to Manic as they always have exciting things lined up, I’m currently teaching local school children drama & musical theatre in there PPA Cover sessions & Afterschool clubs. I can always rely on Nicole & Matt to give me a challenge and this time round that come in the form of stilts! On Saturday 25^th January I stood high on my stilts meeting and greeting supporters of the London Wasps Rugby team. I also enjoy it as it adds a few inches to my height, which is an advantage for a shorty like me.

WHAT WERE YOU UPTO IN 2013?

In 2013 I gained a year contract with Bourne Leisure who provide Cast performers to Butlins in Bognor Regis. I was one of two vocalists who performed in a resident band called #CodeRed, performing on breaks across 2013 singing in there two amazing venues. Over the year I performed with the UK’S No.1 tributes to Tina Turner, Tom Jones & Katy Perry. This was a great opportunity to make some new contacts and a chance to see how to start a tribute in the future. Whilst working with Butlins Musical Director Steve Etherington I was asked to feature on an upcoming Christmas album “Let There Be Christmas” with Santa & His Christmas Crackers, which has now been released in Europe. I also had the task of being Swing for the Skyline Gang at Butlins and had the opportunity to perform over the year. 

WOW THAT’S AWESOME! WHATS YOUR PLAN FOR 2014?

My plan for 2014 is to settle back into Portsmouth and hopefully get myself on the property ladder fingers crossed and perform/teach for Manic. I would have loved to perform on cruise ships like some of my Manic colleagues but thats not possible due to being such a shorty…. But maybe I should wear my stilts to the audition? Just an idea, have a great 2014 and remember for your entertainment needs choose Manic!

To book Tony or any of the Manic Stage Production team please contact Nicole on 07977478565 www.manicsp.co.uk nicole_manic@yahoo.co.uk 

Your Chance To Join The Fun

Audition Time

Tuesday 21^st January Manic Stage Productions open our doors and invite you to audition to join the fun!

 We are welcoming new talent to come along and wow us for the yearly chance and exciting opportunity to make it as one of our professional team of performers.

If you think you have what it takes to join our high energy, fast paced team then we want to hear from you, If you have trained to a high level in any style of dance or speciality skill then email us at manicstageproductions@gmail.com to express your interest and submit your C.V.

Successful dance applicants will be invited to attend a FREE weekly professional level dance class to maintain their individual level of technique, stamina and flexibility. Aswell as train with the whole team, learn new choreography and rehearse for forthcoming paid work. 

Successful speciality acts will be added to a forum where regular paid work will be advertised and new exciting opportunities are created. 

Lets hear from Lucy Penketh about her time with Manic and The SHOW Girlz

‘I have been with Manic Stage Productions since June 2013, Manic has provided me with the opportunity to work in a professional environment aswell as to maintain my level of dancing inbetween other dance contracts abroad. 

The weekly professional classes help me to keep building upon my training, increase my flexibility, push myself to pick up routines quickly and remember any we have previously learnt.  Manic has such a wide variety of dances and shows to offer their clients you need to have a good memory to remember them all! 

I have taken part in Michael Jackson tribute shows, South Coast Fashion Week launch, The New Southsea Show, Charity events at the Kings Theatre, A Burlesque show at Grosvenor G Casino, Stilt Walking and Promotional work for Fontwell Race Course. Stilt Walking and a Showgirl Performance at the Spinnaker Tower and Mary Rose Museum. I regularly model for Bridal and Wedding shows and my favourite so far was a Halloween performance with the one and only Miss G!

Manic really is a great team to be part of, I look forward to class every Tuesday and thoroughly enjoy every performance opportunity I have had.

So come along and join the fun! 2014 is going to be a great year for the team and if you love to dance and get paid then this opportunity is NOT to be missed

Lucy from Manic Stage Productions 

Manic Stage Productions

www.manicsp.co.uk

manicstageproductions@gmail.com

07977478565

Looking Back On A Fantastic Year

2013 Round Up

I thought it fitting to spend a moment looking back on an incredible year. We are already well in to January 2014 and have lots of amazing bookings coming in thick and fast! 

Before we tell you all about what the future has in store for us lets take a little trip down memory lane!

Read about our highlights of a wonderful year

January

We started last year with an exciting nomination and shortlist for The Business Excellence Awards which gave us our enthusiastic and very determined approach to grow, gain more clients and evolve Manic Stage Productions even further throughout 2013. We are excited to say that 12 months later we could not be happier with our achievements.

Read our previous blog here

February

Theres no better way to grow than to add more wonderful talented individuals to the team! From our auditions we certainly gained some very loyal, beautiful, professional, dancers, models and speciality acts and artists who we are pleased to say are all still with us to start a very busy 2014 :-)

Read our previous blog here

March

After a successful few years supplying our fun Manic Kids Dance Parties to Havant Horizon Leisure Centre it was amazing to be asked to replicate this magical formula at their busy sister centre in Waterlooville. Our relationship with both venues is still going strong and we are looking forward to another busy party year.

Read our previous blog here

April

A highlight of 2013 was being approached by Fontwell Racecourse to supply them with entertainment, promotional staff and much much more. The relationship has grown from strength to strength and we already have many more dates booked in the diary to make 2014 race days even bigger and better! Did you know they spotted us on stage at The Guildhall when we performed for last years Business Excellence Awards!

Read our previous blog here

May

With all these exciting new developments taking shape through the early part of last year we decided it was the right time to move into a new phase and create a head quarters for our busy business. We took up residency in the iconic Clock Tower on Castle Road! This decision was by far the best one ever made and has really helped to make Manic more visible to potential clients.

Read our previous blog here

June

Manic get to perform and work with some fantastic acts and artist but it was a great pleasure to share the stage with a celebrity back in June. Amy Childs was lovely and we got to entertain her and the CAN Management team along with Lee Stafford at the prestigious Beauty Awards!

Read our previous blog here

July

With our sights set on South Coast domination it was a massive tick in the box when we were booked to entertain at the South Coast Fashion Week Launch Party in Bournemouth. Check out the team in this VIDEO of the event.

Read our previous blog here

August 

The much loved and very much missed Southsea Show made an incredible come back in August last year after a 7 year absence and Manic Stage Productions were involved in its success! Nicole helped produce the Saturday Night Seaside Special which pinnacled the 1st day of fun family entertainment and featured our entertainment team The SHOW Girlz.

Heres a VIDEO of its highlights.

Read our previous blog here

September

Our expertise is often called upon across the city for many events, workshops, after school clubs and much more. One thing we love to get asked to do is help judge at talent shows across the South Coast and discover some of the publics hidden talents. Grosvenor Casino talent contest was full of variety and fun and the team found it really very difficult to pick a winner.

Read our previous blog here

October

Due to the success of our input to the Southsea Show we were heavily encouraged to start producing more live entertainment events through the city. We had successfully proved that we had the knowledge, contacts and talent to pull some fabulous evenings off and so we set to work on our 1st (of hopefully many) themed nights!

Read our previous blog here

November

One thing that will always be important to Manic and the team is giving something back to the community who have always supported us! We do this by regularly performing for charity events across the year. Children in Need is a national event and it is always a great honour to be involved in. You can imagine our delight when our performance was filmed for the live broadcast on the BBC!

Read our previous blog here

December

Who would have thought that over the space of just one year we would established ourselves so firmly within the corporate and business world. The year culminated with our team being involved in some very established events including The Shaping Portsmouth Conference, Global Entrepreneur Week and The National Business Show.

Read our previous blog here

Wow well what can I say? Its been an incredible year for Manic Stage Productions and the whole team! We have grown in so many ways and we can't wait for all the exciting promotions, performances and master classes 2014 already has lined up for us! 

Hard work, commitment and integrity really do pay off ....oh and having the best team of super loyal, beautiful and talented individuals of course always helps #manicteamlove Thank you to our many clients, friends and our army of manic ambassadors your support, belief and constant opportunities are truly overwhelming! 

Lastly non of this would have ever been possible without a friendship that has already spanned well over a decade..... nothing is impossible when you have your best friend as your business partner! Heres to a prosperous and happy 2014 

2014 Top Entertainment Specialists

Happy New Year!

We are so excited to be back in the office and have so many wonderful projects coming in thick and fast! 

Don't get left behind this year, make sure you have Manic, the must have party entertainment company as part of your event line up and guarantee the best visual additions to your event

Manic Stage Productions and our team of highly skilled industry professionals will enhance each and every event, party or launch.

 dazzling dancers, fantastic free runners, sky high stilt walkers, flaming hot fire dancers, magnificent magicians, sensational singers AND much much more 

WATCH OUR PROMO VIDEO HERE

 

WATCH OUR PROMO VIDEO HERE

Our creative directors work closely with you to interpret your individual ideas, themes and requirements, booking you, your perfect team that will wow your crowds and add the sparkle and professionalism your event deserves.

Our teams work all over the country, no request is to small and no idea is to elaborate.

Call or email today for a no obligation chat and or quote. 

Manic Stage Productions pride themselves on providing a personal yet professional entertainment option that is guaranteed to exceed your expectations. 

manicstageproductions@gmail.com

nicole_manic@yahoo.co.uk

07977478565

www.manicsp.co.uk

Clowning Around

Roll Up Roll Up 

Did you come down to Lakeside North Harbour to the Cirque Du Central Square event last Wednesday evening?! 

The SHOW Girlz entertained the thousands of office workers at 1000 Lakeside during the grand opening of Lakeside North Harbour Central Square. 

To open the event our gorgeous girlz clowned around performing to a medley of fun circus themed songs by Britney and Christina. They danced, jumped and twirled to open the event with colourful costumes and creative choreography

The evening was presented by our very own Ring Master Jamie who compered the unfolding events. 

As the night drew in our very own fire performer Megan wowed the crowds with breath taking fire eating! 

The whole Manic team amazed the crowds with their circus acts and our stilt walker Natalie delighting the passers by as she stood high up above the crowds!

WATCH THE CLOWNS IN ACTION HERE

The Circus themed event was to celebrate the opening of the new shopping area at 1000 Lakeside and along with our dazzling performers there were some fantastic free runners and many of the shops had demonstrations, competitions and fun for all the family. 

What a great, fun event for the retailers to showcase themselves and for the crowds to be fully entertained by an evening of circus themed entertainment!

To book Manic Stage Productions please contact Nicole 

E - manicstageproductions@gmail.com

T - 07977478565

W - manicsp.co.uk