FIRST STAGE ON STAGE

Venue: Henley Community Centre

Performed at Henley Community Centre on Saturday 17th March and Sunday 18th March. Produced by Mary Meredith and Judy Wadman it was hosted by Simon Bowen. Parents and Grandparents flocked to see our youngsters strut their stuff and the weekend was a great success.

SOUNDS FAMILIAR

Musical Director: David Bolton

Venue: The Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe

After a summer of workshops in the absence of a major show in the Spring, it was back to the Spa for our 21st production of Sounds Familiar. 21 years of glamour in song and dance but this year with John White sadly unwell. Compere for the show was Alan Humphrey with David Bolton as MD. A favourite this year was the Irish selection of dancing and singing and also the melody of Simon and Garfunkel as the stand and sing. We won the prestigious NODA Eastern Area Award for Best Production.

2002

EVITA

Director: Pat Taplin, Choreographer: Doreen Matthews, Musical Director: Alan Humphrey

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

How excited we were to be given the East Anglian Premiere. Only 15 groups nationally were given the rights to perform this wonderful Lloyd Webber/ Rice show. Our established production team of Pat Taplin, Doreen Matthews and Alan Humphrey worked timelessly to perfect all involved and the children in the show were all from our youth group Fist Stage. In excess of 8,000 people attended the show. Rave revues and such a tight cast this really was ‘Oh what a circus, oh what a show’. In the audience on the final Saturday night was a very special person. Gravely ill Bernardo Quantrill, with permission from the hospital was brought to the Theatre to see Stephanie Malton play Evita. It was his final wish. Sadly he died a week later and will be remembered for his wonderful enthusiasm and creative ability. Bernardo really was a true friend to everyone. He would have been so proud to know that we won the NODA Eastern Area Best Production Award.

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2003

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Director and Choreographer: Jeremy Tustin, Musical Director: Alan Humphrey

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

Yet another wonderful Lloyd Webber/Rice production and another amateur premiere, with professional Jeremy Tustin directing again. In his absence it was Simon Bowen and David Hockley he relied upon to rehearse the scenes into shape. A very powerful show and difficult technically, handled expertly by our very experienced backstage crew. The show was attended by an overall audience in excess of 6,400 and was a total triumph for the Society. A collection for Genesis during the run raised £560.96.

2004

WEST SIDE STORY

Director: James Hayward, Choreographer: David Hockley, Musical Director: Alan Humphrey

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

It’s in everyone’s list of the five best shows and for many it’s simply the tops. A third time for the Society and joining Alan Humphrey as MD were James Hayward as director and David Hockley as choreographer. Under the baton of Alan, a top flight orchestra of 21 musicians, one of the largest orchestras for us in the Regent Theatre. David Henshall’s revue in the East Anglian Daily Times read ‘Dancing left the audience breathless’. A pit choir of 10 added to the quality of sound. With ticket process by now up to £12 and £10 the show was a tremendous success in every way with 5559 people attending.

2005

ANYTHING GOES

Director: James Hayward, Choreographer: David Hockley, Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

A great show for our Golden Jubilee Year with the sensational music of Cole Porter. Our very talented production team of James Hayward, David Hockley and Mike Wren put together a colourful feast of song, stunning dances and a shipload of fun .Auditions were held this time for a pooch, and an eight year old long-haired Chihuahua from Kesgrave called Jasper duly won the hearts of the panel. He took to the stage like a duck to water and was very cute. Ticket prices were now up to £12.50 and £11 certainly reflecting the last 50 years. Our history is littered with memories of talented people past and present who have made the Society the success it is today. The show was awarded NODA Best Performance.

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2006

The year started off with the sad passing in January of John White. After more than 30 years with the Society John, also a long time treasurer, will be most remembered for “Sounds Familiar” which was his ‘baby’ and his knowledge of music was second to none.

SUMMER HOLIDAY

Director: Simon Bowen, Choreographer: David Hockley, Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

This show gave everyone such a buzz. A little part of London was brought to the Cornhill when a famous London Bus parked in the town for promotion photos. Directing this bright and breezy showcase this year was Simon Bowen with David Hockley choreographer and Mike Wren MD. Originally made famous by Cliff Richard the youngsters shone. The show is pure theatrical escapism and the audience left the theatre with the feel-good factor.

2007

TITANIC THE MUSICAL

Director: James Hayward, Choreographer: David Hockley, Musical Director: Alan Humphrey

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

It opened on Broadway in 1997 and was a smash hit. It won five Tony Awards. Tackling one of the most tragic disasters in history doesn’t seem the obvious choice for an amateur theatre company. The story of people’s hopes and dreams through the classes is told within a magnificent score and you could hear the swell of the ocean as the orchestra played. Our director James Hayward did momentous research and with the whole cast playing real people the feeling was incredibly intense. Even our President Graeme Kalbraier was on stage for this one (First Class of course). With David Hockley’s creative choreography and Alan Humphrey bringing out the best of a particularly evocative and emotional score there were tears as the audience left the Regent Theatre. Some 4,000 people saw the show. Tickets by now up to £14.00 and £12.00 and programmes £2.00. Yes, the show lost money but from a Theatrical point of view the show was an absolute gem. The Society should be proud of its diversity.

2008

SINGING IN THE RAIN

Director: Simon Bowen, Choreographer: David Hockley, Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

Last presented at the Wolsey Theatre in 1997, this time at the Regent Theatre. David Hockley back as choreographer again to join Simon Bowen and Mike Wren and the show had all of the Gene Kelly magic and golden glamour. Simon played Don Lockwood in the 1997 production and his experience of what was required ticked all the boxes. Not an easy show with all the silent filming needed and attention to detail was paramount. The audience waited patiently for the tap dancing rain scene and were not disappointed. Credit to the backstage crew who handled the large ‘truck’ with confidence and yes with fingers crossed, it did rain every night!!

2009

THE PRODUCERS

Director: James Hayward, Choreographer: David Hockley, Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

Enthusiasm ran high for this East Anglian Premiere by Mel Brooks at the Regent Theatre with show business, gays, Nazis, ridiculous accents and sex-starved little old ladies. James Hayward directed this highly popular, albeit somewhat controversial, show which won 12 Tony Awards, assisted by David Hockley, choreographer and Mike Wren, MD. A trip to Hotel Elizabeth, Felixstowe for publicity photos was made and the highlight of the rehearsal period was the visit of John Barrowman, who had appeared in the London production, and duly asked us to sing ‘Springtime for Hitler’. This visit was to surprise Sam Horsfield for his television show ‘Tonight’s the Night’, and it truly was a memorable night. John was very friendly and we have many photos with him to look back on. The show with a strong cast was stunning but sadly the theatre was nowhere near full. The Felixstowe review’s last paragraph read “Snatch the opportunity to see a top line show in a very professional venue by a company whose only connection with the word amateur is the fact that none of them get paid for it”. With tickets up to £16.00 and £14.00 this year perhaps it was not to the taste of all our audience or were they all on holiday as we were late this year and performed in June. The show won a prestigious NODA Best Production Award.

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THE SPA PAVILION 1909 – 2009 VARIETY SHOW

Choreographer: Suzie Lowe, Musical Director: Richard Healey

Venue: The Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe

The 100th Birthday of the Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe and local companies took part in this variety show held on 27th June. After ‘The Producers’ such a short rehearsal time, but a few members took part and our selection was ‘Musicals of the New Millennium’. A lovely ensemble evening culminating in a finale with the whole cast singing ‘Bring on Tomorrow’ from ‘Fame’ under the direction of Richard Healey MD and Suzie Lowe, choreographer.

2010

THE FULL MONTY

Director: Simon Bowen, Choreographer: Laura Dickons, Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

2011

CALAMITY JANE

Director: James Hayward, Choreographer: Laura Dickons, Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

Last presented back in 1974 it’s back to ‘The Black Hills of Dakota’ and a welcome change to a Western this time. It’s increasingly difficult now to choose a show in the present climate with an abundance of groups now staging musicals. We were delighted to welcome back James Hayward as director along with Laura Dickons and Mike Wren. Some of the cast made a trip to Valley Farm, Wickham Market for publicity photos and all involved in the show had a whip- cracking week. Despite good reviews there were disappointing numbers through the door resulting in a financial loss. There were at least four other choices for audiences in Ipswich that week and it just highlights how vulnerable we all are.

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2012

OLIVER!

Director: James Hayward, Choreographer: Laura Rimmer, Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

Last performed at the Regent Theatre by the Society in 1980, this popular show has all the ingredients to put 'bums on seats'.  With James Hayward, Mike Wren and Laura Rimmer (nee Dickons) on board as Production Team again, this show was staged beautifully with a very strong cast all putting in their own 'oom pah pah'.

Very fitting indeed in the year celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the birth of England's Greatest Novelist Charles Dickens.  Dickensian London never looked so good.  The 25 children, many from our First Stage group, excelled themselves and were a treat to work with.  Mantion must be made of Dolly the bull terrier who was such a joy to be around.  This leaves you with such a feel good factor in so many ways, not least of which has to be financial, so here's to the next production!

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On the 6th January, the doors closed to the Spa Pavilion.  After treading the boards for so many years I felt the need to see the last performance of Aladdin by the Dennis Lowe Theatre Company.  It weas an emotional afternoon with speeches at the end of the performance on stage and many of the cast were in tears.  Now with the doors closed and boarded up, we can only hope that it is not the end of an era and there will be a new beginning.

THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK

Director: James Hayward, Choreographer: Mark Connell, Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

A new musical score for us all to learn with this wonderful, modern, exciting and devilish show.  Alongside director James Hayward and MD Mike Wren, we were delighted to welcome back Mark Connell as choreographer bringing his years of West End experience to the team.  With the dedication of our stage crew and also the Regent's own team we were able to 'Fly' our three gorgeous talented witches creating a magical moment at the end of the First Act.  The whole cast thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of the music and choreography especially in the ensamble numbers.  The Evening Star review heded up 'Entertaining take on Devilish and risqué tale' and perhaps the risqué element kept our audiences away as sadly we played to small houses resulting in a financial loss.  Despite this, it was a great theatrical success and the challenge of filling the theatre remains an ongoing situation.

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FIRST STAGE - ALONG THE BOOKSHELF

Venue: Henley Community Centre

This year our two days at the Henley Community Centre in June featured well-known children's books brought to life.  Lesley Rawlinson and her team should be congratulated on their hard work throughout the year, encouraging and coaching the children.  The programme included 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', 'Winnie the Pooh', 'Harry Potter' and many more.  As always another tweo successful well-supported parformances.

SOUNDS FAMILIAR IN CONCERT

Producer: Martin Leigh, Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge

With the closure of the Spa Pavilion in January a new and exciting change of venue this year to the Seckford Theatre in Woodbridge.  The ambience and intimacy of this theastre worked very well with our format which consisted of last year's concert style adding splashes of Sounds Familiar Movement.  The theme running through was most popular and awarded material across theatrre and film, plus some additional items to enhance a varied programme.  The production team was headed by Martin LKeigh, ably assisted by MD Mike Wren, Stephanie Brown, Kelly Head, Bridget Jackaman and Martin Warden.  Through a warm summer the cast enjoyed rehearsing 'Showboat', 'Chorus Line', Disney, 'Hair' and the Golden Years of MGM to name but a few.  With a smnaller theatre and less seats available we opened on Tuesday and our six performances were fairly well supported, picking up on Friday and Saturday.  Our first time at Seckford was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for everyone and we look forward to carrying on what we love to do next year.

2014

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Director: Martin Warden, Choreographer: Mark Connell, Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

Last performed at the Regent Theatre by the Society in 2003, we return to that wonderful rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber again.  Always popular with Audiences, this time we had on board two ex West End performers at the helm.  Martin Warden as Director and Mark Connell as Choreographer along with our resident MD Mike Wren.  With their wealth of experience, the cast rose to the occasion both creatively and vocally in what is a challenging score to say the least.  Our brilliant backstage technical crew were ably assisted by a fully qualified company who came in to oversee the staging of the hanging of Judas which was particularly crucial to the visual effect.  We played to good houses and in the financial climate it gives the society a longer lease to continue with future productions for the enjoyment of all.  At the NODA East Region Awards for 2014, the show won Best Musical in the District, Best Production in the District and the coveted 'Councillors Cup'  Wow!  Well done to everyone.

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2015

SUNSET BOULEVARD

Director/Choreographer: Mark Connell, Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

As we celebrate our 60th Anniversary year, this legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber show is a fitting and challenging choice in terms of musical score and staging.  With the West End's production 20 years ago with a magnificent two-tier stage, we had a lot to live up to at the Regent.  Mark Connell as Director and Choreographer and Mike Wren as MD certainly stretched us creatively and vocally to our limits.

The show is led by four strong principals along with ensemble pieces adding some lighter relief to the drama of the piece.  Our 15 strong orchestra excelled playing the incredible haunting score with beautiful songs.  Sadly numbers through the door were small and disappointing.  However, despite this for all of us involved and those who did support us with the Evening Star declaring 'another triumph for Ipswich's much loved amateur group' it seems the choice and availability when choosing future shows for the Society remains its single most challenging decision for the years ahead.  Subsequently, the show went on to win NODA Best Musical in the district and our Norma Desmond, Stephanie Brown won Best Actor.

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2016

OKLAHOMA

Director: Mark Connell, Choreographers: Rosie Fuller and Catherine Roberts, Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

We last performed this first collaboration between Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein in 1981.  Previous to that the Society's first production of Oklahoma in 1964 was my first show so I have fond memories of playing with House Full signs on display.

Things have moved on a long way from those days and our production this year put across a strong message with that wonderful number 'The Farmer and the Cowman' and all its rivalries, that everyone should work together towards a better future.  Very relevant in todays' world.  Mark Connell was on board as Artistic Director along with MD Mike Wren and they were joined by Rosie Fuller and Catherine Roberts taking care of the choreography.  We were able to use our principals in the ballet which is such a bonus to the continuity of the production as these are usually replaced with dancers.  Eight children from First Stage also joined us on stage.  With Lesley Rawlinson leading our team of wardrobe helpers and sourcing costumes locally in the main, saving was made in that area which contributed to the show making a profit this year.  Despite playing to disappointing numbers through the door it was well received by all who attended and we look forward to our next production at the Regent.

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2017

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELSpeter

Director: Sally Scurrell, Choreographer: Kimberley Moses, Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

We returned to the New Wolsey Theatre for this production after a break of 20 years.  This less well known show has music and lyrics by David Yazbek who also scored the hugely successful musical version of 'The Full Monty'.

The show is a musical version of the hit film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin.  We welcomed two newcomers to the Society with Sally Scurrell as Director and Kimberley Moses as Choreographer alongside MD Mike Wren.  Set on the French Riviera, this hilarious comedy opened on Broadway in 2005  and eventually came into the West End in 2015.  The specially constructed and workable set was a delight to work with and credit must go to all involved backstage with this production.  The show was extremely well received by all and played to good houses despite the usual times for Saturday Matinee and Evening performances due to Elton John playing at Portman Road Football Ground.  The show subsequently won the NODA Best Musical in the District and NODA Best Production in the District.  Well deserved!

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FIRST STAGE - THE WITCHES AND THE TWITS

Venue: Henley Community Centre

This Roald Dahl piece was adapted for the two age groups, each story being told by the Narrator.  Backing tracks were used for the music and great fun was had by all.  Thanks again to the leaders and those backstage for all their dedicated help.  Another successful weekend at Henley.

SOUNDS FAMILIAR ON TOUR

Production Manager: Stephanie Brown, Production Assistant: Bridget Jackaman.

Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: St. Peters By The Waterfornt

A new venue for us to present our showcase of music for 2 days only this year.  Stephanie Brown took on the role of Production Manager, assisted by Bridget Jackaman alongside MD Mike Wren.  They put together a programme of wonderful selections, ranging from Second World War, Elvis, Queen, Sinatra, My Fair Lady and Sister Act to name but a few.  It was extremely well attended and received for both performances and we look forward to performing at St. Peters in the future.

2018

FIRST STAGE - LET ME BE YOUR STAR

Venue: Henley Community Centre

Another year of hard work by the team to get this show on the road.  The production was a variety show which included songs from some of the best loved shows such as Oliver, Hairspray, Matilda, Annie and Blood Brothers to name but a few.  Well done to all concerned for an entertaining and successful weekend again.

MY FAIR LADY

Director: Owen Berry,  Assistant Director: Sally Broatch , Choreographer: Luke Berry, Musical Director: Mike Wren

Venue: The Regent Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich

When Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady opened on Broadway, it collected six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, while the film version took home eight Oscars, including Best Picture. 

This was the Society's third production of My Fair Lady at the Regent and we welcomed Owen Berry into the role of Director for the first time, ably assisted by Sally Broatch.  The orchestra were on stage and an extended apron was built at the front of the stage for the performers.

The specially constructed minimalist set worked a treat and credit to those involved in the construction.  Credit must also go to the wardrobe team with the majority of costumes sourced locally keeping costs down.  The show played to very good houses and proved that it is still possible for the ttraditional 'gems' to attract an audience. 

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