Angus is Back with his Signature Pizzazz!

Flashback to March 2020. Angus Jacobs is bringing the sass to BATS as he choreographs the six “merry murderesses” of the Cook County Jail in the show-stopping Cell Block Tango - just one of the numbers in the sizzling musical Chicago which is due to be performed at the Haymarket in a few weeks’ time.

“He had it coming,” is their repeated refrain, as each think their crime was justified.

Then - lockdown happens.
Suddenly we’re all in confinement.
The show has to be scrapped - the number is never seen.
Until now.

April 2024 - and Angus is back in the rehearsal room, revisiting the delectably devilish song, for the upcoming BATS revue, On With the Show.

Angus Jacobs

“It was definitely unfinished business,” says Angus. “It was obviously a real shame what happened four years ago, but it’s good to be back! BATS is a great society with lots of talent, so when I was asked if I’d like to finally bring Cell Block Tango to the stage, I said I’d love to!”

Angus is also staging a song from another hugely popular show, the anthem Somebody to Love from the Queen musical, We Will Rock You.

“When I’m approached by a theatre company about directing and choreographing, it’s got to be something I feel I can add my personality to,” says Angus. “I like shows with LGBTQ+ elements to them, such as Victor Victoria, Soho Cinders and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, which I staged at the Bridewell Theatre in London. Shows that I can be creative with, that have something different about them.”

After working as part of a team of creatives on the BATS revue, which brings a huge range of West End and Broadway showstoppers to the Haymarket stage this May, Angus will make a full-blooded return to BATS when he takes the helm of the ‘80’s musical Rock of Ages in Spring 2025.

“The show is absolutely bonkers and very funny,” laughs Angus. “It’s got big hair, air guitars, wind machines, pyrotechnics and amazing songs like The Final Countdown and We Built This City. I grew up in the ‘80’s - that was my time - and it’s got my name written all over it!”

That’s something to savour in the future. For now, Angus is happy getting the chance to delve into the past and finally bring Chicago’s Cell Block Tango to the stage with all his signature pizzazz!

On With The Show runs at the Haymarket, Basingstoke on Friday 17 May at 7.30pm and Saturday 18 May at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. View show information and book tickets.

Michelle's Back After a 24-Year Interval

“When my son was three years old, he wouldn’t watch the Teletubbies. Instead he used to watch the film of Chicago on a loop! He knew all the words to the Cell Block Tango by heart! So I’m now having a “full circle” moment, as I’m going to be performing that very same number with BATS!”

Michelle Anderson is very excited about returning to the stage after a break of 24 years. In the 1990s she trained in Musical Theatre at Guildford School of Acting, where she met her husband Xavier. After pursuing a professional career she gave up performing to raise her two sons.

Michelle Anderson

“In recent years I’ve been running theatre workshops for kids and helping them achieve their LAMDA qualifications. But I really wanted to experience that joy for myself again,” says Michelle.

“I’d been thinking for a few years about joining a local theatre group. Then last year I saw BATS’ production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and thought ‘this is the one!’”

Michelle joins BATS for On With The Show, described as a ‘musical theatre roulette’ featuring showstoppers from West End and Broadway hits including Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Six and the aforementioned Chicago.

“For me it’s been fun to come in and find myself playing different characters from different shows. There’s something for everyone. And the talent in BATS is insane! I’m having to raise my game as some of the dancing is pretty challenging!

“I admit as the show gets closer I have been thinking, ‘is this wise?’. But my husband and boys told me they need to see me back on stage, so it’s great to have their support.”

Meanwhile it’s also full circle for Michelle’s Chicago-loving son - who’s now pursuing his own career in musical theatre!

“He said “we are so proud of you mum” and I can’t wait for them to see the show! The rehearsals have been full of joy, fun and laughter and I’m really looking forward to getting back on stage!”

See Michelle in On With the Show at the Haymarket, Basingstoke on Friday 17th May at 7.30pm and Saturday 18th May at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. View show information and book tickets.

On With The Show adult auditions - Information for pre-audition workshops, audition dates and registration

If you are an adult aged 18+ and would like to join us to perform in our revue On With the Show - A Musical Theatre Roulette, here is the information you need about auditions.

The show will be performed at The Haymarket in Basingstoke on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May 2024.

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ACCESS AUDITION RESOURCES ONLINE: MEMBERS AREA

You must be a paid-up member to be able to access audition materials and the online audition form.

Access these resources by logging into your member account on the BATS website. If you are a new member, pay your membership online with a debit or credit card to gain instant access your account. Annual membership is £25 and runs from 1 July - 30 June.

AUDITION PACK and Outline rehearal Schedule

The audition pack provides more information about the auditions.

Cast will generally be called for rehearsal every Monday and Wednesday evening and on some Sundays.  View the outline rehearsal schedule.

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Welcome talk

It is not mandatory to attend in order to audition:
Date: Mon 8 January 2024: 7.30pm – 10.00pm
Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG24 8LT
What will happen:
- We’ll outline the show/concept and share the ‘set’ list and the creatives who will be working on each number.
- Group singing and dance (ensemble audition routine) - so wear clothing/shoes you can move in!

Pre-audition workshops

You'll need to attend at least one pre-audition workshop to be taught the ensemble audition dance (everyone) and up to three other dance routines (optional). You can also book an optional individual 10-minute singing session with the musical director. You do not need to register to attend a pre-audition workshop. Though you’ll need to pre-book for an individual singing slot with the MD (see below).

Dates: Wed 10, Mon 15, Wed 17 January 2023

Timetable: Each pre-audition session will follow the same format:
7:30pm Ensemble Singing
8:00pm Movers Audition Routine (everyone must learn)
8:45pm Dancers Audition Routine (learn if you want to be considered as a dancer)
9:30pm Tap Audition dance (learn if you want to be considered as a tapper)

*Individual singing slots will run 8:00pm - 10:00pm. One session per person (additional sessions depending on availability). Book via the Show Manager at a pre-audition session (or email batsshowmanager@gmail.com)

Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG24 8LT

Auditions

The online audition form must be submitted by 11.59pm on Monday 14 January 2024.

Date: Sat 20 Jan: 9.45am (warm-up) - 4.00pm
Venue: Market Chambers, Church Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7QE

Date: Sun 21 Jan: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Venue: Ramsdell Village Hall, Baughurst Rd, Tadley RG26 5RA

Performance Fee

If you are successfully cast in the show, a performance fee of £50 is payable no later than 20 April. You can pay in instalments - just talk to us to request this.