Jack Baldwin's Grabbing a Cinecam for his Role in Rent

It’s been a busy few weeks for Jack Baldwin. The secondary school science teacher has been spending his evenings immersed in worlds far away from his day job in Camberley. He’s been to a fairytale kingdom, as Prince Eric in BAOS’s production of The Little Mermaid, and now to 1990s New York, for his role as Mark Cohen in our production of Rent.

“It’s all about organising things as far ahead as possible!” says 25-year-old Jack. “I always try to get everything up to date in my life so I can put my all into teaching AND my all into the shows!”

Performing in Rent was an opportunity he didn’t want to miss.

Jack Baldwin

“I produced the musical at university,” he explains, “But I wasn’t actually in it. I was managing everything – the costumes, the sets, the marketing. It’s only when I saw it on stage that I absolutely fell in love with it. It’s one of my all-time favourite shows.”

Why? “Because it’s about real life. It’s full of real characters dealing with real issues in the 1990s, explored through some incredible songs. Everyone can relate to at least one character in the show.”

For Jack, that character was Mark Cohen, an aspiring filmmaker who records the daily dramas of a community of struggling artists and musicians.

Jack in rehearsal with his camera!

“On the one hand he feels like an outsider, but he’s also the glue that keeps everyone together. He’s observing his close friends dealing with challenges like HIV/AIDS and is trying to process that. Mark’s always there, and he gets taken for granted a bit by the others. That leads to his eventual breakdown in act two.”

The darker moments are balanced by the joy and exuberance of musical numbers like La Vie Boheme which Jack leads.

“To anyone who’s not sure if Rent is for them, I’d say, give it a go. Come with an open mind. You won’t regret it. It’s a really powerful and poignant musical and the talent in this show is fantastic. I can’t wait to be performing it for an audience!”

See Jack in Rent at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from 16th-20th May. Buy tickets online.

Our All-Female Trio Bringing Shrek to the Stage

They’re the trio tasked with bringing the fairytale world of Shrek to the stage. And it’s a relief for Sally Manning, Jules Dance and Luannsa Goodman to finally see the fabulous family musical take shape.

Director and Co-choreographer, Sally Manning

“Shrek was originally planned for November 2020, but the pandemic put paid to that,” explains director and co-choreographer Sally. “So it’s been taking up a lot of space in my head for a long time! But as rehearsals have progressed, all those thoughts and ideas have been transferred to the cast, so I’m enjoying it a lot more now as my head feels a lot lighter!”

Based on the hugely popular animated film, Shrek is the tale of a green ogre who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside wisecracking Donkey, feisty Princess Fiona and evil Lord Farquaad – to discover that fairy tales aren’t always what they seem.

Choreographer, Luannsa Goodman

“The most important thing for us is to make the show pure magic,” says choreographer Luannsa. “My generation grew up loving the film, and I’ve watched the Broadway production on YouTube about 1000 times! But I’ve put my own spin on the dancing. It’s full of character, farcical, funny and slapstick, as well as technically challenging. We’re now drilling the little details and the cast are doing brilliantly.”

Musical director Jules agrees. “This is an exceptionally strong cast and I’m thrilled about that! We’ve got a live band for this show too. The music is fantastic and very clever, with nods to other shows which musical theatre fans will love.”

Children especially will enjoy seeing familiar characters pop up like Pinocchio, Peter Pan, the Gingerbread Man and the Three Little Pigs. But with a twist.

Musical Director, Jules Dance

“Shrek is very much NOT a pantomime,” says Sally. “It’s a story of acceptance. It’s told in a fun, humorous way, but definitely has a deeper meaning. All our lead actors understand that – and they’re phenomenal, they’re absolutely smashing it!””

“There are belly laughs and great physical comedy,” says Jules, “But there’s also passion and pathos. The show tugs at your soul!”

Sally, Luannsa and Jules are clearly delighted with how the cast and crew have responded to the challenge of fulfilling their vision for Shrek the Musical.

“There are lots of surprises in store for the audience,” teases Sally. “And we can’t wait for you to see it!”

Shrek the Musical runs from 10 - 19 November at the Haymarket. Buy tickets online.

Meet Shrek and Lord Farquaad - Aka Reece Fitzgerald and Ben Kennedy

Newsflash! The farting green ogre who lives in a swamp in the Land of Duloc is actually a primary school teacher from Surrey! But then, as Shrek the Musical shows us, “Fairytales aren’t always what they seem.”

Reece Fitzgerald

And challenging expectations is something Reece Fitzgerald absolutely loves about playing the unlikely hero of BATS’ latest show, based on the hugely popular animated film.

“Shrek shows us that being you - being unique - is OK and can be celebrated, rather than always conforming to society’s expectations” says Reece.

“Lots of children I teach have got tickets to come and see Shrek. Hopefully it will inspire them. If their teacher can go off and do something completely different, they can too!”

“Knowing what their teacher does in his spare time also means I’m spared an awkward explanation, if I neglect to remove any green makeup before coming to class the next morning!”

Ben Kennedy

Shrek’s arch rival is the thoroughly evil Lord Farquaad, played by software engineer Ben Kennedy, for whom the role marks a radical departure from the string of pantomime dames he’s played recently in the Alton area.

“I’ve always wanted to be a baddie!” says Ben. “I think Farquaad has been festering underneath my personality for a long time! If I get booed by the audience at the end of the show that would be wonderful!”

Farquaad’s physical shortcomings provide much of the comedy - but it’s no laughing matter for Ben’s knees!

“I spend the whole show on them! Fortunately I had a vast array of knee pads in my garage from when I did extreme sports as a teenager. During rehearsals I’ve been wearing them out, pair by pair! It’s taking a lot of endurance!”

Both Reece and Ben are newcomers to BATS, something Reece found “nerve racking but exciting.” It was the chance to perform in Shrek that enticed them.

“It’s a show that captured my heart years ago,” says Reece. “I love the music and I saw the most recent tour of the show twice.”

“It’s a musical that’s works on different levels,” adds Ben. “The kids will love all the jokes and fairy tale characters. There’s adult humour too. Plus it gets pretty deep in places. But above all it’s a great feelgood family show!”

You can see Reece and Ben in Shrek the Musical from 10 - 19 November at the Haymarket. Buy tickets online.

The Bonds perform together for the first time in over 20 years

“So there I am in rehearsal doing my best sexy moves to the song Lady In the Long Black Dress - and Lynne doesn’t even notice. She’s at the back of the room taking payments for BATS T-shirts!”

It’s an anecdote that perfectly sums up Richard and Lynne Bond’s relationship with Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society - and possibly with each other (at least in public!)

While Richard’s known for playing loveable characters like Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, Bob in Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Bill in Me and My Girl, Lynne has been more active behind the scenes in recent years, serving on the committee and organising social events.

Incredibly, Sister Act is the first time the Bonds have appeared in a show together for over 20 years!

“It’s very nostalgic” says Lynne. “It’s nice to be able to travel to rehearsal together - then chat about our evening in the car on the way home! But in fact we don’t really appear on stage at the same time at all! I’m playing one of the nuns, and Richard is one of the gangsters!”

Richard and Lynne met through BATS, and first appeared together in 42nd Street in 1995, when Lynne played Anytime Annie. She’s also played lead roles including Sally in 1997’s Me and My Girl.

Lynne and Richard Bond

“Then the last show we did together was a BATS cabaret in 2000, just after our eldest son Jack was born,” says Lynne. “I found it too much with working full-time as well, so I decided to stop. We then had our son Josh, and the years just go by don’t they?”

When their sons were older, Lynne was tempted back to BATS - funnily enough for their 2015 production of Sister Act - and loved being back on stage. She’s donning the habit again for the 2022 version.

Will the boys be watching mum and dad proudly from the audience?

“Oh yes they’re SO proud of us” jokes Richard. “Josh works for Anvil Arts now, so he’ll probably get to see the show at least once. Jack is coming back to see it too.”

Given some of the roles Richard has played, surely they’re beyond embarrassment now?

“They did come and see me in The Full Monty, so yes!”

So Mr and Mrs Bond, we’re expecting you to appear in many more shows together?

“No! This is my last show, absolutely!” declares Lynne. “Never say never,” says Richard. Watch this space…

You can see Lynne and Richard in six performances of Sister Act, which run from 17 - 21 May at the Haymarket, Basingstoke. Buy tickets online.

Cydney, Katie and Kaz talk about their Sister Act Calling

Kaz works in air traffic control. Cydney has a job in a jewellers. Katie’s career is in marketing. But these three women share a passion. You could say it’s a “calling”. For on Monday and Wednesday evenings you’ll find them singing and dancing their hearts out in rehearsals for the nun-tastic musical, Sister Act!

“I’d have happily swept the stage just to be part of this show,” says Katie. “It’s such a feelgood, uplifting musical and when you get everyone singing these gospel-style songs together, the sound in the room is amazing!“

“I love the message of the show,” says Kaz. “It’s all about acceptance and how we’re better for being different.”

Cydney believes Sister Act is a great bonding experience for the women in the cast. “A hundred per cent! We’re all different ages. This is my first show for BATS and everyone’s been so lovely and welcoming.”

The trio, all experienced dancers, have a busy show in store. As well as donning habits as the singing sisters, they also play a variety of other roles, as you’ll see when they take the stage at the Haymarket.

Putting on a show takes time and commitment. Cydney’s been living in Reading, Katie travels in from Wokingham and Kaz has childcare to juggle. But all agree it’s worth it.

Cydney Murray

Katie Schulten

Kaz McCloy

The trio in rehearsal

“You do it because you love it,” says Kaz.

“Totally,” says Katie. “I did a Performing Arts BTEC and have been in 24 hour musicals in Camberley, which were chaos! But this is the first show for a while and I’ve had time to relax and enjoy the process. Our director Louise is fantastic - I’m loving working with her and learning from her.”

“I was in Joseph, Annie and The Wiz when I was a child,” says Cydney. “But this is the first show I’ve done as an adult.”

And she has an admission. “Although I’d heard of Sister Act, I’d never even seen the film! Now I know it, I love it!”

“It’s such a happy show,” says Kaz. “It’s good for all ages and there’s something for everyone. I know it’s going to be fantastic!”

You can see Kaz, Cydney and Katie in six performances of Sister Act, which run from 17 - 21 May at the Haymarket, Basingstoke. Buy tickets online.