We perform “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen in aid of Spotlight UK

**Updated - 8 February 2021. Thanks for helping us raise £677. A fantastic result!**

We’ve really missed performing this year, hopefully as much as you have missed coming to see us in action! Before the year comes to an end, we got together virtually to record “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen, by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

We felt the lyrics really captured the mood of the unprecedented challenges faced by many worldwide this year. Certainly, getting back together to rehearse gave our mental health a much needed boost!

Help us raise funds for local charity Spotlight UK
This virtual performance is helping to raise funds for Spotlight UK - a Basingstoke and Berkshire-based charity that helps vulnerable and disadvantaged people to improve their quality of life and future. A message at the end of the video explains a little more about their valuable work.

Any amount you can spare, large or small, will be greatly appreciated!
DONATE ONLINE

Watch the video!
Click the image below to watch the video on our YouTube channel.

A massive THANK YOU to RHJ Entertainment who musically directed, mixed and produced our video.

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Production of Chicago cancelled

Owing to circumstances beyond our control, we regretfully announce that we have been forced to cancel our production of Chicago that we had re-scheduled to November 2020.

We had intended to return to rehearsals in September, but maintaining current social distancing guidelines meant that the cast could neither safely nor practically return to rehearsing for this show, which demands high levels of close proximity and interaction. Furthermore, restrictions remain in place for live musical theatre performances and no further updates are expected from Government around amateur performances before November. These ongoing restrictions are circumstances beyond our control and we have been forced to cancel our production of Chicago.

What happens if I booked tickets?

Anvil Arts will contact all individuals who purchased tickets. They will advise you on the refund procedure or alternatively, you can choose to donate the value of your ticket to Anvil Arts. If you would like to make a donation to BATS, you can do securely by credit or debit card on our website.

We know that the vast majority transferred your ticket to November and we’d like to thank you for your support during these unprecedented times. We hope that you continue to keep well and we very hope that we’ll be able to see you in May 2021 for Shrek.

Chicago Postponed due to COVID-19 Outbreak

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Anvil Arts announced today that the Haymarket has closed with immediate effect.  We are therefore sorry to announce the *POSTPONEMENT* of our production of Chicago in May, but everyone’s safety and health must take priority.

It is our intention to stage Chicago later in the year, if possible.  We are currently working with the rights holder and the theatre to negotiate alternative performance dates for a time when life resumes some kind of normality.

Given that we are not yet able to confirm these dates, Anvil Arts will be contacting all patrons to arrange ticket refunds.  Please do not contact the box office – they will contact you (See their full statement below).

We will keep you updated once we know more.  We hope it won’t be too long before you can join us for a bit of fabulous Razzle Dazzle!

In the meantime, take care of yourselves and we hope to see you again soon.

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Full Anvil Arts statement
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Following the government’s announcement yesterday, both The Anvil and The Haymarket will be closed to the public until further notice and scheduled performances will not take place.

We will be contacting all ticket holders in date order of performance as quickly as possible. Please refrain from contacting the box office regarding ticket refunds, we will contact you.

As a charity, we will be working hard to deal with the financial implications of this period of closure. Please consider donating the cost of your ticket to The Anvil Trust rather than requesting a credit note or refund.

We will keep the web site updated with further information.

Thank you for your understanding in this unprecedented situation.

9 to 5 the Musical Review, November 2019 - NODA

9 to 5, music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, book by Patricia Resnick tells the story what happens when the tables are turned on a sexist, egotistical, hypocritical boss (who’s also a bigot) as three female office workers who are underpaid and undervalued, unite to get revenge. It’s full, friendship, love and bubbling performances, fantastic songs and sparkling performances. From the first few bars of the familiar opening song – 9 to 5 of the title – we know we’re in for an evening of high energy entertainment.

The production: The period feel of a 1980s office was beautifully recreated throughout the evening. There were some lovely performances – particularly from the three women battling to come out on top: Nicola Morrin (as Violet), Millie Clucas (Doralee), Laura Burrell as Judy and Stephen Westwood as Hart, their boss. Sally Manning as devoted secretary and office spy, Roz almost stole the show. The entire cast performed with supreme confidence and professionalism. The choreography by Nick Brannam who also directed, was imaginative and well executed. The songs were performed with warmth, precision and joyful emotion. Although the subject of the show had serious undertones, there was a feel-good approach to it and it was delivered with first class performances, enthusiasm and panache we have come to expect from BATS’ productions.

Millie Clucas as Doralee and Stephen Westwood as Franklin Hart Jr.

Costumes: The costumes were in keeping with period and narrative. There was great attention to detail and the dream sequence outfits were custom-made and of the highest quality. The hair styles complemented the 80s outfits.

Lighting and sound: The lighting was good although I struggle to understand why, on occasion, there was a smoky effect. The sound was generally good but once or twice dipped and made it difficult to understand some characters, especially when dialogue delivery was fast and heavily accented.

Scenery: The stage design was well conceived and of high quality. The backdrops largely pastel in colour and 80s style were very effective as was Hart’s office and the typing pool was realistically recreated. The Xerox machine and car – used for Hart’s kidnap – deserves special mention.

Chris Horton
National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) South East Region, District 14 Representative

9 to 5 the Musical Review, Nov 2019 - Basingstoke Gazette

From the moment Dolly Parton's iconic song '9 to5' came on at the Haymarket the audience was fixed on Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society’s (BATS) production.

Based on the film of the same name, the musical sees three-woman Violet, Doralee and Judy are pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss.

From the off the show was fast paced, full of laughs and a lot of innuendo.

Nicola Morrin, was a dominant presence on the stage as Violet Newstead, with Laura Burrell acting as her perfect foil as the at time naive Judy Bernly.

Millie Clucas as Doralee

However, it was Millie Clucas giving her best Dolly Parton impression as Doralee Rhodes, who every time you heard that Southern twang you could be convinced you were no longer in Basingstoke.

As the performance develops, we see how the friendship between this somewhat unlikely trio unfolds before our eyes as they have to deal with being women in a men's world.

Stephen Westwood looked like he was having a bit too much fun in the role of sleazy boss Franklin Hart Jnr., but the best laughs were kept for Sally Manning's interpretation of brown-noser, Roz Keith.

As have become accustom with the many BATS productions I have attended, the choreography and set design is always something to behold, and even if there was a slight technical snag, it didn’t detract from the story.

Throughout the three leading ladies were completely captivating and each one let their characters personality shine through.

In a time when there are still ongoing fights for equal rights for women, it is a little bit jarring to think that the type of behaviour displayed in 9 to 5 for a long time was the norm.

That being said, BATS tackle the subject sensitively, if not with their own trademark brand of humour sprinkled throughout.

Despite minor technical difficulties BATS once again showed their quality in the performance and the depth of talent they have at their disposal.

Tim Birkbeck