Relaxed performance of Nativity the Musical held at theatre - Basingstoke Gazette

Residents with additional needs who may usually avoid visiting the theatre were treated to an inclusive performance of Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society's newest show. A relaxed performance of the amateur dramatics group's show, Nativity the Musical, was held at the Haymarket on Tuesday, November 26.

Alterations were made to the performance to ensure that neurodiverse children, adults and their families could enjoy the show.

These included BATS President, Richard Bond, coming on stage and introducing each actor and the character they were playing.

BATS President Richard Bond with the Cast of Nativity!
Photo: Sean Dillow, Basingstoke Gazette

Mr Bond also warned audience members about any startling noises or effects in the show, in addition to the lighting in the theatre remaining on, although dimmed, throughout the performance.

Sponsored by coffee company Lavazza, the show marked the society's second relaxed performance after the success of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2023, in the group's 60-year history. 

Craig Saunders (Mr. Maddens) and Adrien Nortier (Mr. Poppy)
Photo: Sean Dillow, Basingstoke Gazette

To make the performance possible, the society raised money from corporate sponsors, local councillors and community grant funding in addition to taking on a fundraising activity titled the 'Christmas Cycle Challenge'.

Cast members rode an exercise bike for six hours dressed as Father Christmas, elves, reindeer and more, raising £595, enabling the performance to go ahead.

In addition to changes being made to the show, BATS gave free tickets to special educational needs schools in the area, charity and community organisations to make the performance accessible.

Richard Bond explained to the Gazette that a night at the theatre is 'something a lot of us take for granted', adding: "For those of us with additional needs, finding accessible shows can be a big challenge.

"We are thrilled to be in a position to welcome audiences with additional needs to our production of Nativity the Musical, to experience the enjoyment that live theatre brings.

"This has all been made possible thanks to our kind corporate sponsor; Lavazza Professional UK, community grant funding; Greenham Trust and Hampshire County Councillor community grants, plus support from Team Communications Ltd (BSL interpretation), The MPC Ltd, Music Theatre International, Anvil Arts and our team of SEND experts and BATS volunteers.

"All of which, made it possible for us to stage this wonderful, uplifting and inclusive community engagement event."

Lola Crossman
Basingstoke Gazette

Nativity! The Musical Review, Nov 2024 - National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA)

SET: The stage, covering various locations: classroom, playground, Hollywood studio, Mr Madden’s home, the Lord Mayor’s ballroom was created by furniture and props and enhanced with a changing screen. There was minimal disruption during the scene changes. The props were excellent such as a box also being used as the Head’s desk. There were numerous smaller props that enhanced the action: the various planets, stars, feather fans.

COSTUMES: The costumes were fantastic with many changes. These ranged from reindeers to the traditional Joseph, Mary and the three kings. There were school uniforms, ballgowns and evening suits, the Mayor’s regalia and critic’s posh coat and scarf. My personal favourite was the Christmas tree!

THE PRODUCTION: From the opening number this show was full of sparkle and shine. Every moment was filled with joy and energy. Although this was a ‘happy’ show, there was also a serious and thought-provoking thread; the shallowness of the bright lights of Hollywood. This show had it all: bright, vibrant costumes, thrilling choreography, solo numbers as well as massive group numbers and heaps of laughs. With direction by Carly Thompson, choreography by Leigh Young and with musical direction by Simon Eastwood, this was a special production and a very special evening for all those present. 

Chris Horton
District 14 Regional Representative
National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA)

On With The Show Review, May 2024 - National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA)

SET: The set was simple: a steel frame bridge with staircases either side and door below for entrances and exits. The wings either side were also used for access and egress.

COSTUMES: The costumes were amazing. There were a variety of costumes: the black lace and bowler hats, the Queens from Six, period costumes for ‘Don’t rain on My Parade’, ‘Windy City’ and Sally Manning’s transformation dress for her solo ‘Let it Go’ from Frozen, was inspired and very clever.

THE PRODUCTION: This show was amazing from start to finish and was topped and tailed by popular ABBA songs, opening with Mamma Mia! and closing with the ever popular, Dancing Queen. The entire show was amazing and fresh and felt like a shot of sunshine on a grey and gloomy evening. It was full of enthusiasm, well-choreographed and executed dance numbers and a good deal of humour. The humour was particularly noticeable in The Book of Mormon song, ‘Hello’. There was the light hearted Luck be a Lady from Guys and Dolls and operatic intensity of All Is Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera. Every number was performed with polish and its impossible to mention everything. But I must mention the spine tingling ‘Let it Go’ from Sally Manning and Rhiannon More showed her considerable stage presence and vocal range in ‘Don’t Rain on my Parade’.

The large creative team must have worked tireless to achieve such a high standard of performance and this show was a great choice as it enabled a large number of the cast to be in the spotlight and showcase their talents. All in all, a ridiculously enjoyable evening and one that I hope will be repeated in the future.

Chris Horton
District 14 Regional Representative
National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA)

On With The Show Review, May 2024 - One Show at a Time

BATS is gearing up to take the Haymarket Theatre stage once more in their next show. Except this one is not like the others. The thing about amateur dramatic companies is that they are limited on the shows for a plethora of reasons. However, there is a way around that…who says they need to put on one show in full? Why have one show when you can have many? With that, Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society brings you: On With The Show – A Musical Theatre Roulette!

If you’re unsure what a Musical Theatre Roulette (aka a revue) is, it is a bit of everything. BATS have taken songs from numerous shows and are performing them back to back, and there is something here for everyone. From the golden age musicals to the contemporary musicals recently hitting the theatre scene, to Disney numbers that get everyone smiling. This is a show for everyone. You don’t like musicals? This gives a glimpse into many, who knows, you may be converted! You want upbeat dance numbers? Love ballads? Numbers that tell stories all on their own? On With The Show has it all! From jazz hands to tap dancing and everything in between, On With The Show may not be one full story, but it is still one gloriously fun jam-packed show with all the excitement that brings.

Not only does a showcase such as this give audiences the chance to see songs from shows they may otherwise never go and see, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to give a whole cast a time to shine too. Yes, in every show, every person is integral no matter how big or small the role, but there is always going to be leads and ensembles. With On With The Show, BATS have given everyone a chance to show off what they can do. This is very much an ensemble show, a team effort in every sense of the word. I have been going along to BATS rehearsals for a while now, and it is so heartwarming to see every single person have their moment to shine, and shine everyone does! From the beautiful harmonies to the choreography that is so neat and precise to the emotion poured into every song, every member of this company has put in tremendous hard work which more than pays off, and is palpable from start to finish.

The thing about going to see a rehearsal is that it’s exactly that; a rehearsal. Not yet finished. Despite this, it doesn’t seem the company have got far to go! The numbers are polished, the costumes are coming together (the sneak peeks I got are ready to wow!), and the energy is electric. There’s something so heartwarming about a rehearsal period I feel; seeing someone perform centre of the room whilst to the side someone else is running their lines and choreography to themselves before taking their turn, everyone rooting for each other and the real team effort to work together and put on something special to lighten audiences hearts for a few hours.

The BATS cast are a fantastically talented bunch and the versatility of their performances demonstrate this. No matter what material is presented to them, they have the determination, the passion and the heart to bring every story and song brilliantly to life. The energy is maintained from the first to last number (I was out of breath just watching them!) so whilst it’s not one full musical, it absolutely is one full-on jam-packed show.

BATS never fail to do themselves proud and this seems to be no exception to that rule. When everything comes together combined with the full costumes, props, lighting, sound and the all-important audiences bringing the applause, On With The Show promises to be a joyous celebration of both talent and theatre for everyone. With the broad contrasting range of songs and shows being performed, I dare even the reluctant theatregoers to watch the show without their feet tapping, or to leave the theatre without a smile on their face.

And if you want to know what songs or shows you can expect…well you’ll just have to go and see for yourself to find out! One thing is for sure, you can’t really go wrong here; why go for just one show when you can have a bit of them all?

BATS’ On With The Show runs for two days only, 17th and 18th May at Basingstoke’s Haymarket Theatre.

Leyla Demirel
One Show at a Time

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.