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‘Mad Wednesday’ show takes Nakuru by storm


It started as an idle afternoon chat among a few artistes at the Nakuru Players Theatre a year ago, but it is now one of the town’s most loved shows.

Dubbed ‘Mad Wednesday,’ the twice monthly show has been the launching pad of many budding artistes. It attracts hundreds of theatre lovers out for an evening of fun and laughter.

Before the show came into being, artistes would gather under a tree at the theatre grounds to share ideas and practice their creative performances, but they had nowhere to showcase their talent.

Then one of the members came up with the idea of a show, and ‘Mad Wednesday’ was born. So popular is the event that it now attracts artistes and audience from other counties.

BUDDING ARTISTES

“At first it was very hard to get people to attend the show,” says Joseph Gichinga, one of the organisers. “We worked hard, even campaigning for it on social media. It took three months to at least build an audience to appreciate our work.”

Fast forward one year later and the show now attracts a big number of performers. So big is the demand to perform that organisers are now forced to limit the number of artistes in each session. A total of 30 artistes are allowed to perform each time, with the show kicking off at 6pm.

The show, according to Gichinga, has helped to boost the confidence of the budding artistes, most who lacked stage experience.

“Most artistes have much to offer, but lack of stage experience has shattered their dreams. The show has ensured that every artist is occupied as they are expected to perform in the two shows every month,” he added.

The show is sponsored by the Nakuru Players Theatre management. The artistes and the audience do not pay to attend.

SECURED CONTRACTS

Musicians, dancers, stand-up comedians, bands and instrumentalists now have an outlet to showcase their talent. Many of them have secured contracts and permanent jobs.

“We invite people looking for artistes to hire. This is like an audition and the best are snapped up,” he added.

A panel of aged thespians in the theatre act as guides and mentors to the artistes. They also ensure that the content in the various performances is suitable for the target audience.

Simon Thuo, also an organiser, says some of the performances have made visits to schools, where a small fee is charged. “Taking the shows to schools helps to encourage students to love theatre,” he adds.