"What seems like a ‘Hard Knock Life’ right now will soon become a ‘Fine Life’ once again" Chloe Steadman

Hello, my name is Chloe and I have been a member of Workington Amateur Operatic Society for 10 years. I joined the Junior section of the society in 2010 when I was 11 years old and have not looked back since! My first memories of the Juniors would have to be singing ‘Rule the World’ by Take That repeatedly and complaining to others about how sore our necks were whilst bowing our heads during the opening of the Les Mis medley. I was lucky enough to perform in several hit shows with the Juniors, my very first being Mulan to my last being Starlight Express in 2017. I was so sad to leave the Juniors behind, however little did I know this was not the end of my time with them. When I was asked to join the Junior Committee in 2017, the answer was a definite yes! Since being a part of the committee, I have helped with several productions and concerts, ran workshops and most importantly, had fun. It really is rewarding working directly with the Juniors, especially when all the hard work and effort results in performances from them that are just fab. I can’t wait to see what the Juniors do in the coming years. I then joined the adult section of the society in 2017. I have taken part in 3 productions and met so many new people, some of which have become my best friends.

When asked what my favourite show was to be a part of, it was extremely difficult to narrow it down to just 1, so I have 2. My first has to be Les Misérables which the juniors performed in 2016. I can remember finding out that we were doing the show and just being so excited that we were given the opportunity to perform such a classic musical theatre production. The show itself was a sell out and we received standing ovations for our performance each night, the atmosphere in the Carnegie was just electric, I have never experienced anything like that before. The icing on the cake was receiving 5 NODA nominations for the show and going to the awards ceremony with the cast and committee in Manchester. It’s safe to say that we all danced the night away after winning 2 out of 5 categories. From the rehearsals to the stage, it was such a brilliant production to be apart of and one that I will remember forever. My second is the most recent show the society has performed, Oliver. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to return to the juniors to take on the role of Nancy, which is one I have loved since I was a little girl. It was so much fun pretending to be a junior again and work alongside some very talented kids. The show was another success for the society, and I was blown away by response it received. Although I miss my role as Nancy, I better get my head down and complete the dreaded dissertation as it may have been put on the back burner leading up to the show. Whoops.

​ I hope everyone is staying safe during these uncertain times, especially those who are working on the frontline. Each day we are ‘One Day More’ closer to normality than before and what seems like a ‘Hard Knock Life’ right now will soon become a ‘Fine Life’ once again.