Meeting Stars at Glossopdale

STUDENTS and staff at Glossopdale Community College have been left starstruck after mixing with famous TV personalities.

Not only were they called upon as extras for a new drama series filmed in the High Peak called All The Small Things, but their musical expertise was also drawn upon.

The series by Debbie Horsfield and starring Sarah Lancashire, Neil Pearson and Richard Fleeshman, revolves around choir singing and the college played a central role in the production.

Chris O’Hara, Glossopdale’s director of arts, was given the task of auditioning 200 extras for a choir of 30.

“It’s been an eye opener,” said Chris who was on set to help conduct performances during takes. “I’ve sang on Songs Of Praise before but this was quite involved.”

As well as auditions, Chris was responsible for coaching the main cast’s singing voices, which initially left him a little star struck.

“I couldn’t believe it when he [Neil Pearson] came in. I had to pinch myself because I used to love watching Drop The Dead Donkey,” he said.

The rapport was such that Neil jokingly referred to him as the “stunt conductor”.

Students were also involved with the production, some starring as backing singers and media students were offered work experience with the crew.

All The Small Things even used the college’s state-of-the-art music studio facilities, recording sessions with Richard Fleeshman and other cast members.

“It can’t be undersold what we’ve done here,” said Colin Hanson-Orr, head of music technology. “We’ve worked at the highest level of the British industry. All the music in that show is played, recorded, arranged and engineered by us.”

Those involved were in no doubt that filming was like a “circus coming to town” but the college’s involvement with the BBC drama proved a positive experience and everyone felt a part of it.

Chris said: “The actors were great with the students. There was no ‘us and them’ at all.”

It is not known if further series of All The Small Things will be produced, but regardless of this, Glossopdale College hopes their involvement has forged a successful relationship with the BBC.

(Courtesy Of Glossop Advertiser)