Centenary Concert

Bournville Musical Theatre Company are currently celebrating their 100th Anniversary. What better way to celebrate than a concert of songs from musicals following their staged show of The Wedding Singer earlier in the year.

The stage itself was open with occasional tabs in place. When full stage was used there was a star cloth at times used as well as some different sized screens where projected images were shown each depicting the specific musical performed. These were of a good quality and provided a quality backdrop for the performances concerned.

The evening commenced with a brief history of the society by David Page. The name Bournville is renowned worldwide for producing chocolate. It was indeed the Cadbury family themselves who started the society for their employees.  

With their beginnings in mind the show opened with a medley of songs from The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan including ‘Oh, Better Far to Live and Die’ and ‘When the Foeman Bares his Steel’.

The rest of the evening showcased songs from nine shows presented by BMTC dating back to Hello Dolly! in 1996 until the more recent Legally Blonde in 2018. Added to the mix one of the shows the society would like to perform 9 to 5 and a show currently on Broadway after a brief spell at The National in London namely Hadestown which may be some time before amateur musical groups can perform.

Musicals showcased covered solos, duets, and such like as well as full company numbers. Many were choreographed by a team of nine some of whom appeared in the show. Other shows included in the repertoire where Cabaret, The Producers, Jekyll and Hyde, Carousel, Calamity Jane, Anything Goes and Guys and Dolls.

There were many highlights and a cast of just shy of 40 it is not possible to name everyone onstage (sorry to those I miss here!). Therefore, to name but a few, as with this type of show many can have their moment of fame – all of which were deserved.

The whole of the Hello Dolly segment was greatly enjoyed. We then had ‘Money, Money’ from Cabaret which was performed with confidence by Stuart McDiamid, as well as well delivered songs ‘Don’t Tell Mama’ and ‘Maybe, This Time’ sung by Chloe Turner and Meg Donovan.

From The Producers we witnessed an enjoyable rendition of ‘Keep it Gay’ from Liam McNally, Peter Holmes, John Morrison, Stuart McDiamid, Randy Johnson, Adam Slack, Rachel Fox and Kris Evans.  

‘Façade’ from Jekyll and Hyde was also well delivered with a great deal of energy.

In act two, highlights included ‘Secret Love’ from Calamity Jane sung by Joanne and from Anything Goes ‘I’ll Get a Kick Out of You’ by Jill Hughes.

However, ‘Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat’ from Guys and Dolls was for me the high point plus the Remix from Legally Blonde.

Finally, the introduction to Hadestown. A show to look out for when it is performed again in the UK.  Many previously named cast members appeared but, in this section, a special mention for the baddie character, Hermes, performed by Phil Snowe.    

The auditorium was not full which was a shame as the performance deserved a full house. However, the audience most certainly got their money’s worth with the final curtain not coming down until 10:45. It did not however feel this late as the quality of the show made the time fly.

In July of this year, I was delighted to present the current chair of BMTC with a 100th Anniversary certificate on behalf of NODA as part of their wonderful gala dinner. This event celebrated not only the 100 years but also having a member with 70 years’ service to the society, John Clay and the same MD, Chris Corcoran, for 30 years who was the Musical Director for this Centenary Concert.

I wonder in the year 2122 when BMTC celebrate their 200th anniversary who will write the NODA report. What shows will the society perform, maybe a few of the old shows such as ‘Les Misérables’, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Wicked’ and of course ‘Hadestown’!

In the short term I look forward to seeing Crazy for You in May 2023 at The Crescent Theatre in Birmingham.  

Congratulations to all involved.

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