Pictured above: (l-r) Solomon Smith plays Luis from The
Sharks (Sales Executive for Amplify Hospitality at the LG Arena and
NIA), Richard Agg plays Riff from the Jets (The NEC's Managed
Events Operations Manager), Paul Jenkins and Steve Cartmell (NEC
Group's Cleaning & Waste Managers) and SOS Chairman Adam
Tullett
One of the Midland's biggest employers, The NEC Group is giving
a local amateur dramatics group a helping hand, by providing them
with a free stage set. Over 2500 actors, production crew and
audience from Solihull-on-Stage (SOS), based at Solihull Arts
Complex, will benefit.
Two members of the SOS society, Richard Agg and Solomon Smith
were inspired by The NEC Group's strong sustainability values and
encouragement for employees to adapt a green approach - they took
it to heart and approached their employer for help when it came to
building a new set.
Richard Agg, playing Riff from the Jets, is also the Managed
Events Operations Manager at The NEC said: "Following the huge
success of Spring Fair International 2011 last week, the NEC's
on-site waste management and recycling centre has been a non-stop
bustle of activity. Reusing some of the waste wood left behind from
the show to build the set for the musical, based on Shakespeare's
Romeo and Juliet, is a great cost effective and environmentally
friendly idea."
Chairman of Solihull-on-Stage Adam Tullett said: "It is
absolutely fantastic that The NEC can help donate recycled
materials to build our new stage set. For our next
performance of The West Side Story, the rivalry between, the Jets
and the Sharks gang have taken on a whole new recycled twist."
Since 1st February 2011, The NEC waste pre-treatment centre team
saw the 2000th tonne of waste leave site to be recycled. In just
over 20 months, the centre has diverted 35% of NEC and LG Arena
waste from landfill, which includes 196 tonnes of paper, 205 tonnes
of cardboard and 308 tonnes of wood. This is a brilliant
example of sustainability benefits for the local community.
Formerly known as Solihull Operatic Society, SOS have created
unforgettable performances, supported by full a orchestra, costumes
and sets, starting with their first production of Mikado back in
1952. SOS has provided the community with more than 50 years of
musical heritage, ranging from classic Rodgers and Hammerstein to
the latest contemporary West End Musicals.
West Side Story will be performing at the Solihull Arts Complex
(11th-16th April 2011) For tickets, please contact the box office
on 0121 704 6962.