Have you seen Eliza do little? See Lucy do the lot!
After the first production in 2002, Jennifer Dewar’s reaction was “I’d pay money to take the part of Lucy again! It’s my favourite role of the many I’ve played”. (see below pic)
Next, Gillian Hodges, Lucy in the Spanish production, said: “Below Stairs is a lovely show, a great experience. Although I have portrayed some really wonderful parts, including Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady and Dolly in Hello, Dolly! I now have a very special place in my heart for Lucy, who is truly the ‘new kid on the block’!”
Danielle Winter of the Utopian Operatic Society, who played the leading role in 2003 and 2007, adds “Lucy is a fantastic role. If you enjoy getting your teeth into something, you can’t go wrong. It was great to play such a lovable character. I am certain Lucy will go far and am looking forward to hearing my grand-children whistling the tunes”.
In July 2004, Vicki Skelley of Riverside Players said “I have never enjoyed a role as much as I enjoyed playing Lucy. And if I could give up my full-time job and perform as Lucy every night, I would!”. (see below pic)
And Storth’s Marie Herron agrees. “It’s a role to die for, with so many rewarding challenges. I’d do it again tomorrow!” (see below pic)
The premiere of Below Stairs opened on 16 May 2002 at the Elgiva Theatre, Chesham, and when the audience spontaneously began clapping to the closing rousing march When our boys come marching home, writers Trevor and Alan knew they had a success on their hands. Word quickly spread and people had to be turned away on the sell-out last night. The press were delighted too. So Alan set about looking for other societies and venues.
The second production came about in the wake of a chance conversation with some ex-pats in Spain. The result was an outstanding six-night run in April 2003 by the Javea Players in Gata, Costa Blanca. This time the reviews were even more ecstatic. www.javeaplayers.com
The third production, by the Utopian Operatic Society, was at the Broadway Theatre Studio, Catford, in November 2003. Audiences were enthusiastic and the show sold out for both matinee and evening performances on the last day. www.utopians.org.uk
Next came Riverside Players’ 2004 production at the Magna Carta Theatre in Staines, Middlesex, and again both cast and public were full of praise. www.riversideplayers.com
May 2007 saw the fifth staging, this time by Storth & District Entertainers in Cumbria, with every night a sell-out. (see sample movie from the show dvd below)
Most recently, in October 2007, the Utopian Operatic Society restaged the show at a bigger venue, in response to demand from cast and audience.
Currently, three societies have decided to stage the musical, the first for TEN performances in December 2009 on the Isle of Wight. Please click on the NEWS page for full details of this and other planned productions.