Finally a chance to hear the whole show! Another spectacular cast assembled at The Southwark Playhouse to run through our entire musical – directed by Phoebe Barran.

Natasha J Barnes continued to develop her performance as “Peggy Starr” alongside Kellie Shirley as “Janet”, Haydn Oakley as “Bob” and Cleve September as “Larry”. Felicity Duncan brought life to the roles of both “Catrin” and “Christine Porter” whilst Chris Dickins reprised his prior performance as “Peter”. Kimmy Edwards featured as “Kiki Kavelle” and young Erin Mae McNiff tore at our heartstrings playing “Young Peggy”. Gemma Hawkins - our M.D - oversaw the musical magic. We finished the day feeling we have nothing to be nervous about!

In November 2018 we held another 3-day workshop. Natasha J Barnes returned in the role of “Peggy”, alongside Louise Dearman as ”Janet”, Emmanuel Kojo as “Larry” and Graham Bickley as “Bob”. Matthew Woodyatt and Sadie Shimmin completed the workshop cast and the talented Phil Bateman supported us as M.D. Once again, Phoebe Barran directed.

Please check out our short video that includes the gorgeous duet “Be A Friend” performed by Louise & Emmanuel –– followed by Natasha storming the highly dramatic “What The Hell Is It For?”.

We began 2018 at the North London Music Academy with a two-day workshop featuring the uniquely talented Natasha J. Barnes. Joining Natasha were Damien Matthews as “Bob”, Daniel Bailey as “Larry” and Emma Thornett as “Janet”. Both days were superbly led by director Phoebe Barran with the company bringing fresh and vibrant insight to selected scenes and a newly-written song, “Happy, Bright & Useful” – an ironic reflection on the role of women in the 1960’s.

Our two showcase presentations were rewardingly well attended and the pervading atmosphere seemed one of genuine excitement that something special was well and truly starting. Seeing the show begin to come to life was truly a joy for us all! 

Happily Emma Williams rejoined us for a tour-de-force performance as “Peggy Starr”, leading our highly talented company of Shona Lindsay (“Janet”), Tim Rogers (“Bob”), Rob Houchen (“Larry”), Sarah Ingram (“Catrin”), Christopher Dickins (“Peter”), Ian Houghton (“The Welsh Soldier”) and once again the totally charming eleven-year old, Sadie Simm playing “Young Peggy”. 

In March we spent two joyous days above the theatres of The Southwark Playhouse staging several of the ensemble musical numbers from the show. Many of the talented actors from our January read through rejoined us alongside Alex and choreographer Jo McShane.  The energy and fun of our Act One number “Doing The Best We Can” contrasted brilliantly with the heartfelt performance of Sadie Simm (playing Young Peggy) battling with her mother Catrin (played by the extraordinary Louise Gold) in the plaintive opening song “My Mother Said”. An emotional rollercoaster!

Our first fully cast read/sing through was performed at the North London Music Academy. We assembled an impressive array of theatrical talent to bring our show to life in its’ entirety for the very first time. Happily – and luckily – we enticed the lovely Emma Williams (appearing in “Half A Sixpence”) to lead our cast. In less than a week, she joyfully interpreted 11 of our 12 original new songs – duet-ing, trio-ing, quartet-ing –  along with delivering several standout solo performances. Truly amazing. The enthusiasm, the talent and the commitment by everyone involved, was so encouraging. We were overjoyed!