cast rehearsal pictures

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe)All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe www.mtishows.co.uk

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGEDear Friends

2017 is a very special year for The MOB, it heralds our 25th anniversary as the junior section of Retford Amatuer Operatic Society. As we look back over the last 25 years we can see how the MOB has gone from strength to strength and the impact that it has had on so many young people (and a few older ones!). Some of our members have been lucky enough to have made a career in theatre. We often hear that being a MOB member gave them the grounding and enthusiasm to carry on in what everyone recognises as a difficult but very rewarding career. For those MOBSTERS who have chosen other careers we hope it has given them the confidence to be the truly wonderful young people they are, but mostly it teaches family and friendship, and it is with this in mind, we will be holding a celebratory anniversary concert in November this year, welcoming back many of our MOB family to join us on stage at the Majestic Theatre. We hope that you will be there too.

But for today; ‘Welcome to the 60’s’ in our 2017 annual production HAIRSPRAY. For those of you that know the musical, it is a story of one young woman’s fight for social integration in 1960’s Baltimore. Hairspray is a fun and lively production with a very challenging musical score which as always, our young performers have risen to the challenge of with the help of Paul O’Leary our Musical Director, ably assisted by Leon Auckland one of our senior MOB members. In directing the show, Liz Williams has had to face the additional challenge of creating the appearance of

an ethnic divide with predominantly white actors. We hope that through the creative use of costume you are able to follow the story of these two groups of young people until they are finally united in the finale ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’. The finale number is fast paced and like many of the musical pieces has required the full experience of our wonderful choreographer Betty Teanby who will be celebrating her 90th birthday in October of this year. A truly remarkable lady.

A special shout out to all our sponsors and the mums, dads and friends who have supported the show through our weekly rehearsals, committee meetings, making costumes and scenery and attending the various events the MOB have taken part in during the year. Thank you, without you none of this would be possible and would make my job so much harder.

It is a real privilege to be the MOB’s Chairman and to work with so many amazing and talented people. It only leaves me to thank you all for your continued support , I hope we will see you on 19th November for our concert. Sit back and enjoy the show and if you fancy a bit of dancing in the aisles later, let yourself go!

Carolyn WhiteChairman The MOB

CAST LISTTracy – Anna Phillipson/Grace BowskillEdna – Ryan FootittMotorMouth – Bethany Broughton /Francesca HealdAmber – Neave TaylorPenny – Rose Storey / Ellie WoolnoughVelma – Laura TaylorInez – Georgia PinkertonPrudy Pingleton – Ellie MetthamLink – Daniel PattendenSeaweed – Matthew HealdWilbur – Leon AucklandCorny Collins – James MackinderMr Pinky/Harriman F Spritzer– Josh ParkerGym Teacher/Matron – Maia BatesGuard – Jack Pinkerton

Council MembersAnna PhillipsonBen MarshBethany BroughtonBradley StoreyCharlie HensonFrancesca HealdGrace BowskillJack MortonPaige WellmanDynamites – Cara Bates/Caitlin Gorwood /Annie Matulewicz

EnsembleAmy Pattenden • Amyrose Broughton • Callum Gorwood • Connie Brown • Elizabeth HeardEvie Jones • Gracie Smith • Isobel Bowler • Jasper Whitworth • Kaiya Harris • Leah JonesLilly Towndrow • Nancy Hudson • Neve Bowler • Scarlett Whitworth

President’s WelcomeLadies, gentlemen & of course, children. We are delighted to welcome you to our performance of ‘Hairspray’. This is so very special as The MOB celebrates our 25th anniversary. I am so privileged to be President of both the senior society (Retford Operatic Society) as well as The MOB. I have been involved with both groups for many years now and seen members flourish in the performing arts.

Hairspray has been a huge challenge for direction, music and dance and we have spent many hours rehearsing and often tearing our hair out! But here we are with this wonderful bunch of kids, performing their hearts out.

I know you will enjoy the show and I thank you for your continued support.

We look forward to seeing you again at our anniversary concert in November where we will welcome back past members as well as these wonderful, talented, young people with us tonight.

A huge thank you to the staff at the Majestic Theatre who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of this beautiful theatre.

Relax, enjoy, join in the fun and Thank you!

Betty TeanbyPresident

COMMITTEEPresident – Betty Teanby • Chairman – Carolyn White Secretary – Alison Pinkerton

Membership/safeguarding – Karen McIvor Publicity – Kirsty Broughton

Events Coordinator – Kate Taylor • Treasurer – Vanessa Smith

CREATIVES

Produced & Printed by www.spottypenguin.com

Director – Liz WilliamsChoreographer - Betty TeanbyMusical Director - Paul O’LearyAssistant Musical Director - Leon AucklandWardrobe Mistress - Carolyn WhiteSewing Team - Karen Bates, Julie Wheeldon, Yvonne Smith, Shirley Cross, Sue HayesSet supplied by Scenic Projects Ltd Additional onset staging built by Marc Storey

Props - Heather Heard & Jane HealdDance CaptainsClaire Bowler • Sarah MitchellStage Manager - Sarah WoodwardsAssistant Stage Manager - Marc StoreyStage CrewMike Pinkerton , • Kev Woolnough • Emily Stevens • Graham Stevens • Gina HallLights & SoundGary Kendrick • Vanessa Smith • Adam Pace

REED 1 - Emma Goucher

REED 2 - Sunil Vidhani

TRUMPET (and Flugelhorn) - Katie Bonser

TROMBONE - Nadine Leeder

KEYBOARD 1 - Roger Holland

KEYBOARD 2 - Sally Nelson Fish

KEYBOARD 3 - Isaac Savage

DRUMS - John Joe Gaskin

VIOLIN - Angela King

CELLO - Oliver Dixon

BASS - Richard Oaks

BAND

MUSICAL NUMBERS

SYNOPSISIt’s 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland, and quirky, plus-sized, teenage Tracy Turnblad has one dream: to dance on The Corny Collins Show. When she gets put in detention with the African-American students in the school, they teach her some of their dance moves, and her new found groove wins her a spot on Corny’s show.

Overnight, Tracy transforms from a nobody into a star, and uses her newfound influence to advocate for racial integration on the television show. Tracy faces scrutiny and bullying from the network producer, Velma,

and her popular, but vicious, daughter, Amber. With the help of the teenage heartthrob Link, host Corny Collins, and Motormouth Maybelle (the host of ‘Negro Day’), Tracy overcomes the odds and succeeds in her mission to integrate The Corny Collins Show. Tony Award-winning Hairspray continues to be one of the most widely produced musicals today, not only because of its wit and charm, but also because of the beautiful message of acceptance and progress that it portrays. The bright, energetic story of Tracy Turnblad teaches us all to look past the colour of one’s skin and fight for every human being’s equal rights.

Act OneGood Morning Baltimore – Tracy and EnsembleThe Nicest Kids in Town – Corny and Council MembersMama, I’m a Big Girl Now – Edna, Tracy, Prudy, Penny, Velma, Amber and Female EnsembleI Can Hear the Bells – Tracy and Council MembersThe Legend of Miss Baltimore Crabs – Velma and Council Members with Tracy, Penny and Little InezThe Madison – Council MembersThe Nicest Kids in Town (Reprise) – Corny and Council MembersIt Takes Two – Link, Tracy, and Council GuysVelma’s Revenge – VelmaWelcome to the 60’s – Tracy, Edna, The Dynamites, Mr. Pinky and EnsembleRun and Tell That! – Seaweed, Little Inez and Detention KidsBig, Blonde and Beautiful – Motormouth, Little Inez, Tracy, Edna, Wilbur and Company

 Act TwoThe Big Dollhouse – Matron, Edna, Velma, Tracy, Amber, Penny, Motormouth, Little Inez and Female EnsembleGood Morning Baltimore (Reprise) – TracyYou’re Timeless to Me – Edna and WilburYou’re Timeless to Me (Reprise) - Edna and WilburWithout Love – Tracy, Link, Penny, Seaweed, and EnsembleI Know Where I’ve Been – Motormouth and EnsembleIt’s Hairspray – Corny and Council MembersCooties – Amber and Council MembersYou Can’t Stop the Beat – Tracy, Link, Penny, Seaweed, Edna, Wilbur, Motormouth, Velma, Amber and Ensemble

The MOB- 25 years celebrating youth musical theatre in RetfordThe Mini Operatic Bunch, the junior section of Retford Amateur Operatic Society (RAOS), celebrates its 25th birthday this year.

The MOB, as they are now fondly known, was the brain child of Mike Mahoney, a long term and still active member of RAOS, who wanted to provide an opportunity for local youngsters to experience the pleasure of live performance.

The MOB have gone from strength to strength over the years, building a great reputation for their concert repertoire and stage productions of some of the world’s most popular musicals including Les Misérables, West Side Story, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat to name but a few. In recent years The Mob have been nominated four times in the regional youth section awards of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) for their productions and have now won on three consecutive occasions for their productions of Grease (2014), The King and I (2015) and Wizard of Oz (2016), a truly remarkable record.

The group is supported entirely by volunteers, mostly recruited from parents, some of whom have been MOB members themselves in the past. The society is self funded through the proceeds from their annual productions, concerts performed in local venues and fund raising events and kind donations from local benefactors. 

Over the years the MOB have benefitted from the experience of many talented people and are grateful for the dedication of their current  creative team. Liz Williams who has been active in amateur theatre for many years acts as our director,  Paul O’Leary who brings his broad musical and teaching expertise as Musical Director and Betty Teanby who in her 90th year (and who can out dance most of our membership) is still going strong as the MOB’s choreographer!

As you might imagine being a MOB member offers young people from 8-18 years the opportunity to

learn to sing, dance and act but it offers so much more. Being a MOB member helps our young people to work as part of a team supporting each other, building confidence, learning the importance of respect and discipline and it also offers them the opportunity to appreciate and understand the technical aspect of staging a production as well as budding musicians having a chance to show off their skills playing an instrument or even leading rehearsals.

Over the years many of our members have gone on to train professionally and we now boast an alumni which includes national children’s directors, musical directors, performers and technicians all working in the professional industry.

As part of our 25th year celebrations we have a busy programme of events which started with some of our youngest members starring in the RAOS production of Oliver! The musical in May. Those same youngsters are back with us to perform in our production of the hit musical Hairspray from 29th June to 1st July and in November we will be performing a special anniversary concert where we hope to invite past members of The MOB to perform with us at The Majestic theatre. In addition, The MOB have continued to support local events including the St George’s day and Retford Charter day celebrations at the town hall.

If you would like further information regarding membership of The MOB, how to offer support or help or any of our events please contact Carolyn White, MOB Chairman tel: 07764291042

LEAVERS’ MESSAGES

I’d like to start off by thanking everyone involved in The MOB, you have all made my six years here the most fun, unforgettable experience. Liz, Betty & Paul you have made me improve unreal amounts from the little nervous ten-year-old girl I was back in my first show of ‘Annie’. From then I was lucky enough to play Narrator in ‘Joseph’, Teen Angel in ‘Grease’, Tuptim in ‘King & I’, Dorothy in ‘Wizard of Oz’ and finally Penny in ‘Hairspray’.

It’s going to feel so strange not spending my Sunday afternoons with the MOB family! My next big step now is attending ‘Emil Dale’ school of performing arts in Hitchin, starting September 2017! No words can explain how excited I am to take a step closer to my dream career in musical theatre. But trust me, I am going to miss my time at MOB massively. Each and every production MOB has done has been absolutely amazing and a privilege to be in, and I’ll definitely be back to come and watch your future rehearsals and shows. I love you all so much, especially my closest, life-long friends that I’ve made while being here. Thank you so much. Lots of love, Rose xxx

Five Years. Four Productions. Three Voice Cracks. Two Bosoms. One Slip Up.

That pretty much sums up my MOB experience. And what a wonderful time it’s been. Yet, I’m left wanting more. One more dance. One more song. One more memory.

I’ve been lucky enough to have played The Baker/Issachar in Joseph (2013), Roger in Grease (2014), The Wizard/Professor in The Wizard of Oz (2016) and, finally, Edna in Hairspray (2017).

As well as making me a stronger performer, The MOB has taught me to follow my dreams. Cliché, I know, but never stop doing what makes you happy. Theatre and performing is my release; my passion; my home. And thanks to the MOB, I now feel confident enough to pursue a career in Drama and English.

So, thank you to everyone. To the chaperones for ensuring everything runs smoothly. To Paul, Brady and Leon for helping me “sing” in tune. To Carolyn, Vanessa and Kate for making me smile. To MOBsters, past and present, for being supportive, talented friends. To the legend that is Betty Teanby for helping me dance. To Liz for supporting me through the dark times, believing in me and being a fabulous director. And to you: the audience!

And now it’s my time to fly the nest. But I’ll be back. I promise. Here’s to another 25 years of The Mini Operatic Bunch!

Now, I’ll leave you with this. Theatre is the most diverse, supportive and magical platforms around. Support it. Embrace it. Live it.

Rose Storey

Ryan Footitt

LEAVERS’ MESSAGES

After 5 short years at the MOB it’s my turn to say goodbye, which seems ridiculous. It seems only 5 minutes ago I was a shy 13-year-old who really didn’t want to attend MOB. I was dragged every week by my mum with the hope of gaining some confidence and after these 5 years, finally! An ounce of confidence and my first principal role! I am honoured to be sharing the role of Motormouth Maybelle, it’s crazy how far I’ve come and there are so many to thank for where I am today; Mum and Dad, thank you for pushing me for these 5 years and always believing in me, to Carolyn, Kate, Vanessa, Alison for pushing me and believing me no matter how much I disagreed. And to Liz, Betty and Paul for encouraging me to be the best I can, even if it frightened the life out of me. To everyone at MOB, for being so supportive through my years here. And to Leon, for putting up with the endless nights of tears and frustration throughout these years, thank you for helping me conquer my fear’s and becoming the more confident person I am today. Through Mob I now am ready to face my next adventure at Leeds College of Art, without the MOB I wouldn’t have been able to do this. I owe it to you all for the confidence I have gained, I wouldn’t be where I am today without you all. I love you all, thank you for believing in me x

And now, the end is near so I face the final curtain. This will be the last show that mob will have to endure myself which deeply saddens me but it’s a relief for them. One thing I’ve learnt by being on this world is that friends stick together. These people I’m leaving are more than just friends but are my family. The family I’ve been a part of have been running for 25 years, and I hope they keep running by the time I’ve finished university so I can go back and be a part of that elite team that keep all the kids in order. People queue year after year to be able to get a place in this radiant group that’s beaming of talent. My thanks go out to everyone that has been there for 5 years, to mention a couple of people Carolyn, Liz, Betty , Vanessa and Paul, as my word count is limited I can’t mention them all but these are only some of them! Thank you for being a part in my crazy adventures that I’ve had our society. I’ve learned more from you guys then I have my teachers at school! You take time out of your busy lives to support and run a theatre production every year without fail. My Sunday afternoon will never be the same again, no trying to learn dances that are simply too hard, no singing with talented individuals and no melodramatic acting with my best friends. So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night. I love you all guys, continue being amazing. Thank you and goodnight xxx

Bethany Broughton

Leon Auckland

DEDICATIONS

Evie & Leah, enjoy your first show! You will be fab, lots of love Mum, Dad, Oscar & the rest of the family xxx

Scarlett have a wonderful show sweetie. Jasper have a great first show. Love Mum, Chris, India & Kennedy xxx

To Our Leading Lady Grace. Don’t ever stop the beat! So proud of you. Lots of love Mum, Wil and George xxx

We’re all so proud of you. Hope you enjoy the performance. Can’t wait to see you with your quiff!! Love you mum & dad xx

Have a fun packed week experiencing Baltimore in the sixties you’re simply “The nicest kids in town”. Love Mum & Dad

Well Done Joshua, Have an Epic show week, were so proud of you, break a leg love mum, nannie and the gang. Xx

To Dan & Elizabeth. Sing, Dance, Enjoy! So proud of you both. All our love Mum, Dad & Mathew xx

Enjoy your first speaking part Amyrose! We are very proud of you, be awesome! Love Mum, Dad & Chloe xxx

Have a great show Gracie. love from mum .Ellie Ewan. Grandma xx

Good Luck on an explosive performance! Love Mum, Theresa, Grandma and Grandad xxxxx

To Caitlin & Callum, our nicest kids in town. Be fab as always. Love Mum, Nanna & Grandad xxx

Rose, I can’t believe this is your last MOB show, shine like the star that you are. Good luck with your training at Emil Dale Academy, be amazing!! You will play ‘Christine’ one day, we know it!!! Love Mum, Dad & Jack xx

DEDICATIONSEnjoy the show, will I Q to see ya? Ya better believe it kid! ‘hairs’ to ya havin a wonderful time. Loadsa love, Mum, Dad, Grandad, Anna, Dan, Eve, Jamie and all the gang xxxxx

Have a great show, enjoy and be yourself love mum, dad and family x

Have a great show Matthew. We are very proud of you. Enjoy every minute. Love Mum & Dad xx

Your last show and first Principal performance! We are so proud of the way you have allowed your confidence to grow so much whilst a member of The MOB. Love always Mum, Dad & Chloe xxx

To Francesca, Congratulations on your first principal role. We are very proud of you. Enjoy the show. Love Mum & Dad xx

Enjoy your last show Leon, love always Mam, Sisters & all the family xxx

“Oh my god how times have changed” from church mouse to Miss Baltimore Crabs. have a fabulous show, love Mum, Dad, Emily & Granny xx

To Kaiya. Just to say we are super proud of you baby girl. So have fun and shine like the star you are. Love Dad, Sarah & Tyler xx

Bethany & Leon. Good luck in your final show, we are so proud of you BB. Amyrose good luck sweetheart. Love always Auntie Sarah, Uncle Ben & Tyler xx

Good Luck Nancy! Enjoy yourself! We’re very proud of you. Lots of Love Mum, Dad & Adam xx

Ryan is an amazing young man, I am so proud of him. Wishing him all the luck in the world for his last show for MOB. Nan xxx

Good luck Ryan for your last show with MOB. You have been so amazing in all your shows. You have made me laugh and cry, I am so very proud of you. Break a leg. Love Mum & Charlie xxx

The National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), founded in 1899, is the leading representative body for amateur theatre in the UK. The Association has a membership of approximately 2000 amateur theatre groups and approximately 800 individual members staging musicals, operas, plays, concerts and pantomimes in a wide variety of venues ranging from the country’s leading professional theatres to village halls. Covering a broad spectrum of age ranges NODA member societies meet the needs of all levels of both performers, whether dramatic, dance or musical, and those involved backstage, front of house or in society administration.

NODA - The National Operatic and Dramatic Association

Adele Beaumont,

Alison Pinkerton,

Becca White,

Ashley Kilby,

Bev Storey,

Cara Jones,

Carolyn White,

Charlotte Williams,

Clare Bowler,

Clare Mackinder,

Dawn Mitchell,

Emma Brown,

Emma Gebbie,

Jill Woolnough,

Jinni Henson,

Karen Bates,

Karen Mcivor,

Kathryn Matulewicz,

Kaye Hudson,

Kirsty Broughton,

Lisa Towndrow,

Kate Taylor,

Emily Taylor,

Michelle Smith,

Nicky Grayson Footitt,

Nicky Marsh,

Sarah Stevenson,

Sarah Mitchell,

Jayne Cox

Chaperones

SPECIAL THANkSEach year we are very fortunate to be supported with donations, sponsorship and offers of help. This year we would like to thank:

Staples School of Dance, Bassetlaw Focus on Young People, The Retford Lions, Ian Campbell, Louise Clarkson, Retford Life magazine, The Well Retford, Wendy Quigley, St Paulina’s Church Ollerton, Helen Richards, Victoria Benham, Spotty Penguin Design & Jewsons Retford.

Huge thanks of course go to the staff and volunteers both front of house and backstage

at The Majestic Theatre, without whom none of this would be possible. Their tireless work throughout the year does not go unnoticed and their efforts to keep this glorious building in fine shape is commendable.

Most of all we would like to thank you, the people who come to see our show. Without the support of paying patrons we would not be able to fund our future shows. Each year we rely on ticket sales, donations, weekly subscriptions and fundraising to be able to afford the cost for future shows.

Leon Auckland

Anna Phillipson

Amyrose Broughton

Ed Grayson-Footitt

Thank you all for you input and your valued opinions.

This year our MOB reps were:

cast phOtOs

amberNeave taylor

corny collinsJames Mackinder

ednaRyan Footitt

inezGeorgia pinkerton

linkDaniel Pattenden Motormouth

Bethany BroughtonMotormouthFrancesca heald

pennyellie Woolnough

pennyrose storey

prudyEllie Mettham

seaweedMatthew Heald

tracyanna phillipson

tracyGrace Bowskill

Velmalaura taylor

Wilburleon auckland

NODA Award Winners

We are very proud to announce that we have won the Noda award for the third year running for