The summer production from Lancaster Footlights at Lancaster Grand is Bad Girls, a novel by Jacqueline Wilson and adapted for the stage by Vicky Ireland.
Bad Girls tells the story of Mandy, a schoolgirl who is being bullied by her classmates because of her “uncool” glasses and hairstyle. Mandy resents her mum, who won’t let her change these things. After being withdrawn from school, Mandy meets Tanya an older girl who shows her how to live a little, but Mandy’s mum thinks she’s a “bad girl”…
Head to Lancaster Grand 13th – 21st to find out what happens next! Follow this link for tickets or go via the Box Office on 01524 64695 (Monday–Saturday, 10am–3pm).
Ahead of the production Dress Rehearsals, I sat down with director Laura Creed to chat about the process of directing, and what it’s been like bringing Bad Girls to the stage…
What made you want to switch from acting to giving directing a go?
“It wasn’t a planned decision. During rehearsals for another Footlights production that I was acting in, the director (who is on the Production Board at The Grand) asked if I would like to direct the 2025 summer show. They thought I would be a good fit as I had already run several successful drama workshops for children at the theatre. I instantly said yes, as it was something I had wanted to do for a while, but hadn’t had the confidence to put my name forward. Seeing that the committee at The Grand had faith in me, it gave me the push to go for it.”
“Watching the cast grow has been one of the most amazing things…”
Laura Creed, Director
Why did you choose ‘Bad Girls’ for your directorial debut?
“The committee suggested Bad Girls, and I was on board straight away, as I had been a massive Jacqueline Wilson fan growing up. I was really excited about the idea of directing one of her stories, and bringing it to life for a new generation.”
Photo courtesy of Lancaster Grand Website.
How have you found the experience so far?
“I’ve loved every second of it. At the beginning I was a bundle of nerves, and very frantic – especially about the audition process – as I wasn’t sure how to run a rehearsal, or how to get a play from the page to the stage. Everything was completely new to me. But as time’s gone on, the process has become a lot easier, and it certainly helps being surrounded by such a great group of people.”
What’s been the best thing about directing?
“I think watching the cast grow has been one of the most amazing things. When you see an actor become more confident in their role and start adding their own nuances to it… it’s great! I loved working with and collaborating with all these different people who work in different ways. It’s just all been so much fun.”
Photo courtesy of Lancaster Footlights.
What has been the most challenging aspect?
“I didn’t realise how much problem solving was involved when directing! For example, there are a lot of quick scene changes within the show, so figuring out how to stage them has been difficult. There has been a lot of liaising with our incredible backstage team to work out what’s possible and what’s not, and how to bring the scenes to life in the most authentic and seamless way possible.”
Any spoilers you can give about what audiences can expect from the play?
“The play has a mixture of really fun stylised imagination sequences, but at the same time it doesn’t shy away from the darker side and realities that some children face as they grow up. Mostly, however, it’s about friendship, and people bringing out the best in each other through it.”
Bad Girls is being presented by Footlights at Lancaster Grand in arrangement with Nick Hearn Books. There are six performances to choose from between 13th – 21st of June.
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