A WOMAN who set up the ‘Bee in the City’ campaign is starring as the lead in a new Cheshire theatre production.

Julie Gaskell is a key figure in the upcoming Manchester project but she is also playing Adelaide in the Mid Cheshire Musical Theatre Company production of Guys n Dolls.

‘Bee in the City’ is an art installation taking place all over Manchester in the summer and is designed to get families out into the city.

Julie spoke to The Guardian about both projects.

She said: “Manchester City Council commissioned the company I work for, Wild in Art, to produce 85 giant sculptures to be dotted around the city.

“It’s part of the council’s recovery from the bombing, it’s encouraging families to go out into the city.

“These giant bees are sponsored by businesses and will be painted by artists and they’ll go out for nine weeks and there will be an app for the kids to download and there will be rewards for them.”

So far the art project has gained a lot of support from businesses in Manchester and Julie is delighted with the help they’ve received.

Julie said: “Nando’s has supported us, Manchester Gin as well, Selfridges has got a Bee, we’re doing really well at getting businesses involved.

“After the nine weeks we’re getting all of the bees together for a farewell weekend and the artists get to meet the people and everyone can tick off the bees they didn’t see.”

After the end of the project the bees will be auctioned off and the proceeds will go to the Mayor’s charity ‘We love MCR.’

Julie also has her attention on the production of Guys n Dolls which is being performed in April.

She said: “I’ve played lots of roles before, I played Miss Hannigan in Annie but this is quite a stretch for me because there’s four of five songs but I am really enjoying it.

“These days a lot of people travel in and out of societies but I’ve been with Mid Cheshire Musical Theatre Production for 28 years and this is the biggest part I’ve done and I’ve had to wait patiently for it.

“The show is going to be a great production and it’s nice that this and everything I’ve got going on in work is all for families to have a great time together.”

Guys n Dolls will be performed at The Grange Theatre in Hartford from April 11, to April 14, for tickets and more information visit mcmtc.co.uk

For more information on ‘Bee in the City’ visit beeinthecitymcr.co.uk/