A community production of T SElliot's Murder in the Cathedral is being boosted by two professionals, an actor in the lead role and a director, says SALLY KING

Even though the Towngate Theatre has closed its doors, there is still plenty of opportunity to enjoy arts in Basildon - Just ask the Basildon and District Arts Association.

The association is currently involved in its biggest project yet - a large-scale production of TS Elliot's Murder in the Cathedral, being staged in St Martin's Church for three nights from June 29.

The play will make use of more than 80 local performers who are working under the professional direction of Swedish-born Ezra Hjalmarsson. Professional actor Michael Hucks is also joining them to play Thomas Beckett.

Ezra is coming to the town bringing a host of experience from some of the country's top theatres. He has produced work at the Young Vic, the Royal National Theatre, the Lyric Hammersmith and the Edinburgh Festival among others.

Michael has worked in theatre since 1967 and also has an impressive list of credits including TV appearances on The Bill, EastEnders, Hale and Pace, London's Burning and Only Fools and Horses.

He has also appeared in many films, including taking the leading role in a new film currently doing the tour of film festivals, When Time Unfolds.

The idea of the community production of Murder in the Cthedral came originally from arts officer Domanic Wallis. Penny Betteridge, treasurer of BDAA said: "Domanic was keen to prove that arts are alive in Basildon. With the Towngate Theatre closed, he had the idea to perform in the church."

The idea of bringing professional input to the production was also Domanic's.

"We got funding from Essex County Council, Basildon Council, the Rotary Club and others," explained Penny. "It's a wonderful opportunity for amateurs to work alongside professionals. It's very exhausting and very rewarding at the same time."

The actors and actresses have mainly come from local drama societies. There is also a choir of children, made up from Fairhouse Junior School and Noak Bridge School, joined by 25 adults, singing Gregorian chant.

Employing the actor Michael Hucks to play Thomas Beckett was the hardest part for chairman of BDAA Paul Nagle. "We had 70 applications and we auditioned eight," he explained.

"It was quite foreboding deciding who to employ - it's their livelihoods. But at the same time they are professionals and they're used to it." He is sure that Michael was the right man for the job: "He's great, and he's good at imparting knowledge."

Paul is impressed with Ezra too: "He has a great way of communicating. He's bringing out the best in us."

With only 15 rehearsals to put on the production, the team are working intensively, but are hopeful of a great performance. "If this is a success, we will look to doing it again," says Paul

Murder in the Cathedral will be at St Martin's Church, St Martin's Square, Basildon on June 29, 30 and July 1. Tickets, costing £7 and £5 are available from the box office on 01268 559470.

Sword play - TV actor Michael Hucks plays Thomas Becket in Murder in the Cathedral, in rehearsal at St Martin's Church, right and left

Pictures: ROBIN WOOSEY & MIKE BELLENIE

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