Time for a change...?

Although the amateur musical scene is thriving and drawing an annual audience in the UK of some 7 million, it is rare for societies to depart from the established repertoire.

So the lists of forthcoming productions are peppered by the likes of Oklahoma!, Oliver, My Fair Lady, Me and My Girl, Guys and Dolls, The King and I, Kiss Me, Kate, and Crazy for You, not forgetting the simpler joys of Salad Days, Annie and The Boy Friend. Of course, it is right for such classics to be available to be seen by succeeding generations but their virtually total dominance tends to stultify the repertoire.The 2002 musical Below Stairs is a simple, believable story set in Edwardian London at the outbreak of WW1, backed by a varied melodic score that writer/actor Simon Williams (of ITV’s Upstairs, Downstairs) describes as ‘fabulous’. Plus the meatiest female leading role since Eliza in My Fair Lady.

After SIX productions, its lib and score are well polished and raring (and deserving) to be seen and heard by more audiences. Yes, treasurers will always worry about ticket sales but with the right promotion – helped by the carrot that all productions are royalty-free in exchange for aiding Cancer Research UK – this needn’t be a problem. Browse now to learn what’s involved, read what the reviewers have said and listen to some of the tracks. And if you do go ahead, you’ll be helping to promote a feel-good show that ultimately benefits us all..