Looking to join a local theatre group and sharpen your performance skills? Andover Musical Theatre Company (AMTC) is thrilled to announce a series of four musical theatre workshops, set to take place at The Lights, Andover. Open to anyone interested in the world of musical theatre, these workshops offer a perfect opportunity to meet current AMTC members while enjoying a masterclass in performance, stagecraft, audition preparation, and ensemble singing.

For just £20, participants can join all four workshops, which will cover:

• Audition techniques
• Stagecraft
• Vocal exercises
• Singing in an ensemble

Led by experienced performers from the local theatre community, these workshops are designed to be fun, engaging, and educational. Whether you're an aspiring performer or simply looking to try something new, this is a fantastic chance to meet like-minded people and develop your skills in a friendly, supportive environment.
Workshop Schedule:

• Tuesday 1st October
• Thursday 3rd October
• Tuesday 8th October
• Thursday 10th October

Each session will run from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM at The Lights, Andover (SP10 1AH), with a short break for refreshments. Participants are invited to arrive at 7:00 PM on Tuesday 1st October for an informal meet-and-greet with current AMTC members. To wrap up the final session on Thursday 10th October, the group will be heading to The Anton Arms pub afterward – everyone is welcome to join!
No previous experience required – just enthusiasm! Over 18s only.
These workshops offer the perfect introduction to AMTC for anyone interested in joining the group, particularly as the company gears up for its 2025 production of Fiddler on the Roof, with an introductory evening scheduled for Tuesday 12th November.
Location: The Lights, Andover, SP10 1AH
To book your place, visit: www.andovermusicaltheatre.co.uk/masterclass
For more information about joining, please contact our membership coordinator Libby Dix by email [email protected]
Come and give AMTC a try – we can't wait to see you there!

On a beautifully sunny June afternoon,  Andover gathered for a momentous occasion - the very first Andover Pride.

Amidst a sea of rainbows and joyous faces, Andover Musical Theatre took the stage, delivering performances that were heartfelt and dazzling in equal measure with numbers from RENT!, Les Miserables, Rocky Horror and Funny Girl, to name but a few.  Known in town for the vibrant diversity of our membership and artistic talent,  we were deeply honored to be part of this historic event organised collaboratively by Andover Town Council, Test Valley Borough Council, InAndover, Andover College and local mental health charity Andover Mind.

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
At Andover Musical Theatre, we believe in the power of the arts to unite, uplift, and inspire. Our participation in Andover Pride was not just about performing; it was a celebration of the values that are at the heart of our theatre company - diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming space for all, and many of our talented members proudly identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their personalities, talents, and lived experience enrich our productions, making them truly special.

Embracing True Colours
The theme of the day, "Be Your True Self," the chosen songs resonated deeply with our singers and the audience alike. From powerful solos to exuberant ensemble pieces, our performance was a celebration of individuality, and inclusivity. We believe that when people are free to be themselves, magic happens - on stage and off.

A Community United
Andover Pride was more than an event; it was a movement. It was a day filled with love, acceptance, and solidarity. Seeing families, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate all things LGBTQIA+ was truly inspiring. We were moved by the outpouring of support and the palpable sense of community that filled the air. It was fantastic to be united with everyone involved by our shared commitment to making Andover a place where everyone feels valued and respected.

Looking to the Future
The great news is that the organisers are already planning next years Pride event! And Andover Musical Theatre is excited about being involved and our role in promoting a more inclusive community in our town.
We will continue to champion diversity and provide a creative space where every voice is heard and every one can be themselves. 

Join Us
If you would like to join us on this journey, everyone is welcome! Whether you are a seasoned performer, a passionate supporter of the arts, or someone looking for a place to belong, Andover Musical Theatre welcomes you with open arms. Simply get in touch with Libby, our membership coordinator by emailing [email protected]. Together, we can create a vibrant, inclusive, and compassionate community where everyone is free to be their true selves. straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, non-binary or non-conforming, and everything in between, there is no judgement here. We see you, we value you and we support you. ​

Thank you to everyone who made Andover Pride a success. We are grateful for your support and look forward to many more celebrations of love, diversity, and the arts.

Parker Bullen, the leading local law firm, have comitted to sponsoring the Andover Musical Theatre produciton of "Made in Dagenham." This sponsorship not only underscores Parker Bullen's dedication to supporting the local arts community but also reflects their unwavering commitment to fostering a work environment that values employee wellbeing and workplace equality.

As part of its sponsorship, Parker Bullen is honored to support Andrew Marshall, Wills and Probate Executive, in his involvement with the production. Recognising the importance of allowing staff to pursue their interests outside of work, Parker Bullen stands behind Andrew and the cast of Made in Dagenham as they endeavor to contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Andover. 

"We believe in empowering our team members to pursue their passions beyond the confines of the workplace," stated Gareth Horner, Managing Partner at Parker Bullen. "Andrew's involvement in 'Made in Dagenham' is a great example of our firm encouraging our employees' diverse talents and interests, and it's great to be in a position to support Andover Musical Theatre Company."

For more information about Parker Bullen and its commitment to supporting its staff and community, visit www.parkerbullen.com.

In this weeks blog we go behind the scenes with Lou Ellison, playing the lead role of Rita O'Grady in Made in Dagenham. With rehearsals in full swing, Lou tells us how she is hoping to do this iconic character justice, and  which song she can't listen to without crying. Lou has been a member of Andover Musical Theatre Company for 18 years and this is her 7th lead role! 

Q:What drew you to the role of Rita O'Grady in "Made in Dagenham"?
Portraying Rita O'Grady is a dream come true. I was lucky enough to see Gemma Arterton play the role in the West End too, and this has always been on my bucket list of roles! Rita's strength, resilience, and unwavering determination resonated with me deeply from the first time I watched the film. Rita is a working-class woman who finds her voice and leads a movement for equality, and I felt a strong connection to her journey.

Q: How did you prepare for such a demanding role?
Preparation for any role is intense but incredibly rewarding. For this show, we obviously have the challenge of doing the Essex accent which is quite fun so lots of time spent watching Youtube videos for the dialect, but we are also lucky to have the lovely Rachel, an authentic Essex girl, playing the role of Beryl, to help us!

In rehearsals we have spent a lot of time exploring Rita's emotional journey and the complexities of her relationships with other characters in the story, and Eddie and I go through our lines, trying out different ways of saying things, according to the emotion of the moment. Outside of rehearsals, I like to learn my lines by recording them and listening whilst walking the dog. I also practice the singing with my vocal coach Lisa Faye Broadhead; she helps me with warms-ups and vocal exercises and planning how to approach the songs, especially the more challenging ones.  

Q: "Made in Dagenham" tackles important themes of gender equality and workers' rights. How do you think the production resonates with audiences today?
The themes explored in "Made in Dagenham" are as relevant today as they were in the 1960s. The fight for gender equality and fair treatment in the workplace is an ongoing struggle, and the story of the Ford sewing machinists serves as a powerful reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done. I know I have worked in a number of places where women were treated like second class citizens, and there have been disparities in pay grades between men and women. Whether it's standing up against injustice, fighting for what you believe in, or finding strength in solidarity, there's something in the story of Made in Dagenham that resonates with everyone.

Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of portraying Rita O'Grady?
Rita's is courageous and determined, and I've been deeply moved by her story, both as as a woman who has experienced similar mistreatment, but also as a mother; there is so much of her journey I can relate to.  There has definitely been a lot of emotion in rehearsals; I can't listen to "The Letter" without shedding a tear, but there has been a lot of laughter too - the scenes with the factory girls have been really fun to do. 

Being part of a production with amtc is always rewarding, but for Made in Dagenham, it feels like everyone is working extra hard - we've already set the entire show and now have 6 weeks to keep drilling and perfecting it. I'm loving playing opposite my co-star Eddie Nias, we've been friends since I joined amtc 2006 and I really admire him as an actor. I've learnt so much from him during the rehearsal procosess and look forward to sharing the stage with him.  

Q: Finally, what message do you hope audiences take away from "Made in Dagenham"?
I hope that audiences walk away from "Made in Dagenham" feeling uplifted, inspired and empowered to make a difference in their own lives and communities. Whether it's advocating for gender equality, standing up against injustice, or simply finding the courage to speak your truth, Rita's story reminds us that change is possible when we come together and fight for what we believe in. I also hope that the show serves as a celebration of the strength and resilience of working-class women throughout history. Their contributions often go unrecognized, but their stories deserve to be told and celebrated.

Tickets for Made in Dagenham are on sale now. Book via ticket tailor or the lights.

Our thanks to Parker Bullen solicitors, sponsors of Made in Dagenham. 

As our cast are deep in rehearsals for Made in Dagenham, a show that addresses themese of inequality, particularly for women in the workplace, we thought it fitting to write a blog exploring the events that led to the women of the Ford Dagenham plant walking out on strike and the current state of play with regard to the gender pay gap.

In 1968, the Ford Dagenham factory in the UK became the focal point of a significant movement for gender equality in the workplace, which eventually led to the passing of the Equal Pay Act.

The story begins with the female workers at the Ford Dagenham plant, who were responsible for stitching car seat covers. Despite performing work of equal value to their male counterparts in other departments, they were classified as "unskilled" and paid significantly less. Fed up with this disparity, the women organised a strike in protest of the unfair treatment.

Barbara Castle, the then UK Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity, played a crucial role in mediating the dispute between the striking women and Ford management. Castle recognized the injustice faced by these women and was determined to address the issue of pay inequality. She supported the demand for equal pay for equal work and became an advocate for the cause.

Additionally, the Trades Union Congress (TUC), a federation of trade unions in the UK, threw its weight behind the Dagenham women's strike. The TUC recognized the broader implications of the fight for equal pay and offered its support to the striking workers.

The strike garnered significant public attention and generated widespread support, putting pressure on both Ford and the government to take action. Ultimately, the strike played a pivotal role in the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1970 in the UK Parliament. This landmark legislation made it illegal to pay women less than men for the same work or work of equal value.

The Ford Dagenham strike and the subsequent passing of the Equal Pay Act marked significant milestones in the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the workplace, setting a precedent for future movements and legislation aimed at combating pay discrimination.

​International Women's Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, has served as a platform to highlight the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while also calling attention to areas where progress is still needed. It reminds us of the ongoing fight for gender equality worldwide. In the UK, strides have been made since the passage of the Equal Pay Act, with more women entering the workforce, gaining access to education and leadership positions, and advocating for their rights. However, gender disparities persist in various sectors, including pay, representation in senior roles, and access to opportunities. Women still face challenges such as the gender pay gap, workplace discrimination, and underrepresentation in certain industries.  The gender pay gap in the UK stands at around 15.5%, based on the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data. This figure represents the difference between the average hourly earnings of men and women across all jobs in the UK. However, it's important to note that the gender pay gap can vary depending on factors such as age, occupation, industry, and region.

Similarly, on a global scale, while progress has been made in some regions, gender inequality remains a pervasive issue, with women disproportionately affected by poverty, violence, lack of access to education and healthcare, and limited economic opportunities. Efforts to address these inequalities continue through advocacy, policy changes, and grassroots movements aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women worldwide.

Made in Dagenham is on stage at The Lights theatre Andover, from Wednesday 22nd May through to Saturday 25th May 2024. BOOK NOW!

In the world of musical theatre, where tales of love, struggle, and triumph intertwine with melodies that linger long after the final curtain falls, "Made in Dagenham" stands out from the crowd as a toe-tapping tale of empowerment. Inspired by the true story of the Ford sewing machinists strike of 1968, this production brings to life the fight for gender equality and workers' rights with an infectious energy and a powerful message that resonates deeply with audiences.

Set in Dagenham, a suburb of London, during a time when the echoes of feminism and labor activism were growing louder, "Made in Dagenham" follows the journey of Rita O'Grady, a feisty and determined factory worker who finds herself thrust into the forefront of a battle for equal pay. Directed by Rupert Goold, with music by David Arnold, lyrics by Richard Thomas, and a book by Richard Bean, the musical captures the spirit of solidarity and the courage of ordinary people standing up against injustice.

At its heart, "Made in Dagenham" is a celebration of the power of unity and the importance of raising one's voice in the face of adversity. Rita O'Grady, portrayed with depth and authenticity by the talented leading lady, embodies the resilience and strength of the working-class women who dared to challenge the status quo. With her rallying cry of "We're not asking, we're demanding," Rita ignites a movement that reverberates far beyond the walls of the Ford factory.

The musical's score pulsates with a mix of exhilarating anthems and poignant ballads, each song carrying the weight of the characters' hopes, fears, and dreams. From the rousing "Everybody Out" to the soul-stirring "Stand Up," the music of "Made in Dagenham" not only entertains but also serves as a powerful conduit for the emotions driving the narrative forward.

One of the most compelling aspects of "Made in Dagenham" is its portrayal of intersectional feminism, highlighting the diverse experiences and struggles faced by women of different backgrounds. While the fight for equal pay serves as the central focus, the musical also touches on issues of class, race, and gender identity, underscoring the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression and the importance of solidarity across divides.

But perhaps the greatest triumph of "Made in Dagenham" lies in its ability to inspire hope and ignite a sense of activism in its audience. As the characters march defiantly towards justice, their journey reminds us that change is possible, but it requires courage, determination, and unwavering belief in the power of collective action.

In a world where the echoes of the past still reverberate in the present, "Made in Dagenham" serves as a timely reminder of the battles fought and the victories won by those who dared to challenge the status quo. Through its electrifying performances, stirring music, and compelling storytelling, the musical leaves an indelible mark on all who experience it, urging us to stand up, speak out, and fight for a future where equality and justice prevail.
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"Made in Dagenham" may be a story set in the past, but its message is timeless, its impact enduring. In a world hungering for change, this musical stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that the fight for equality is far from over, but with courage and solidarity, anything is possible.

Our production of Made in Dagenham, will take to the stage at The Lights Andover from the 22nd until 25th May 2024. To book, pop over to our booking page or go to thelights.org.uk

Musical phenomenon Priscilla Queen of The Desert comes to The Lights, Andover this November, brought to you by Andover Musical Theatre Company.    
    
Quite the contrast from our last production we are back with a bang this winter, with our next show: Priscilla Queen of The Desert. This is one of the biggest productions we have ever undertaken, you will not want to miss this one.

With a host of your favourite musical numbers, this show will have you grooving in the aisles. Based on the popular 1994 movie, Priscilla Queen of The Desert tells the story of two drag queens, Tick (Paul Marsh) and Adam (Sebastian Blake) and a transgender woman, Bernadette (Ed Nias), as they travel across Australia in their rather unreliable bus, Priscilla.      
     
The flamboyant Australian trio encounter many hurdles, including people who don’t welcome them with open arms. However, in an attempt to put on the greatest show on earth (on top of Ayers Rock, no less) they overcome adversities and demonstrate how love conquers all.          
     
Their story is soundtracked by three soulful Divas played by Rachel Fitzgerald, Lou Ellison and Laura Bean. The Divas belt familiar chart-toppers such as ‘It’s Raining Men’, ‘Hot Stuff’ and ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’, making the audience feel as if they’ve known the story all along.

This is a show full of celebration of differences, similarities, love, family and living life to the fullest. With three loveable leads, heart-wrenching moments and some surprising events, this is a spectacle for the eyes and ears!    

Grab your heels, your feather boa and shake your groove thing! Don’t miss out on the theatrical event of the year! Grab your tickets here! 
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Please note there is an age guidance on this show of 15+ but this is at the discretion of the parents/guardians. ​

If you are an adult aged 18+and would like to join us to perform in our upcoming production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, here is the information you need about auditions...

Intro evening
Date: 7.30pm on  Tuesday 13th June
Venue: The Lights, Andover

Please join us for a talk with the Director, Carol Robinson, and Musical Director, Colin Gray, along with the production team, introducing our vision for Priscilla  Queen of the Desert.  This is an opportunity to meet our members and find out all about the roles, expectations and audition cuts for the show. 

Pre-audition rehearsals
Anyone is welcome to come along on audition days, but you will benefit from attending the pre-audition rehearsals, which will take place at The Lights theatre, Andover, on Thursday 15th, Tuesday 20th,  Thursday 22nd, Tuesday 27th and Thursday 29th June. If you would like to attend, please get in touch with our membership officer by email [email protected] or message us via our Facebook page. 

Audition day
Date: Sunday 2nd July 10am onwards
(exact timings will be published on our Facebook page once we know who is auditioning)
Venue: Rookwood School, Weyhill Road, Andover

If you would like to audition, please complete the audition form, prior to attending, this must be submitted before 10am on Saturday 1st July 2023.

Audition fee for non-members
If you are not yet a member of AMTC, an non-refundable audition fee of £10 is payable on the day.
Should you choose to become a member, this fee is credited towards your first month of membership. 

Membership fees
To join Andover Musical Theatre Company you must pay an annual membership of £120 - this can be paid monthly in instalments by standing order.  

Performance fee
If you are successfully cast in this production, there will be a performance fee payable of £50. 
This can be paid in installments if necessary - just speak to our Treasurer.  

Outline rehearsal schedule
The cast are generally called for rehearsal every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7.30pm-10pm, Studio 1 at The Lights, Andover. Please arrive promptly. A full rehearsal schedule will be published in due course. 
If you have any existing commitments, holidays booked etc, please let the Director know in advance. 

Both 17, William and Bethany are perfectly cast to star in the hit musical 'Footloose', which is set to rock The Lights from 30th November - 3rd December 2022.

"As soon as it was announced I knew I wanted to be involved.  Although the dancing has been tricky!" says Will. "I've really enjoyed the process of learning to dance and put in a lot of effort to make it look as natural as possible!" So it's no surprise that Will, who will be going on to study Vocal Musical Performance at the Royal Conservatoire, was cast as Ren McCormick, the teenager from Chicago who finds himself at odds with most of the town of Bomont, including the Reverend Shaw-Moore, who is the father of his love interest, Ariel.   

The break out stars of the show, in their first lead roles are appearing in their first adult production together and after the unexpected break for COVID...it has been a long wait.  

"I've been involved with Starlights since their first production and so I always wanted to be involved" Bethany mentions.  I love to dance and thought Ariel was a really cool character.  It's been an intense character to play, plus she's very confident."

Both William and Bethany agree that their favourite scenes are some of the most emotional points of the show.  "The show deals with some serious topics and Ariel's character goes through a lot of emotive issues,   especially the scenes with my Dad." 

Will agrees "Some of the most poignant parts of the show are some of the more simple scenes between the characters and we've worked really hard on making these as powerful as possible."

However, despite some of the more emotional parts of the show, there is lots of fun to be had with classic 80's hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and of course the unforgettable title track Footloose.

​"It is such a fun show, everyone is loving the songs and the dancing.  It's a really fun and emotional show". mentions Bethany.  "There are songs everyone will know and will be tapping their foot to for sure" says Will.  

Tickets are still available for the show, performing between Wednesday 30th November - Saturday 3rd December (7:30pm) with a matinee on Saturday 3rd December (2:30pm).  To book your tickets now, go to The Lights Box Office at www.thelights.org.uk or call 01264 368368.   



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"I've been in the society 10 years and this is my second time playing a vicar...I've been told this role is particularly suited to me as he's a very serious and grumpy man, I just don't want to become typecast!" Martin exclaims with a smile and his tongue very much in his cheek.

Martin is a stalwart of AMTC and has previously played a vicar in Witches of Eastwick, alongside a variety of other characters from Mr Bumble in Oliver,  Mr Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors and most recently, King Arthur in Spamalot.  After taking a break due to lockdown and helping as Stage Manager in subsequent shows, Martin was eager to get back on stage in 'Footloose', which see's both the adult and their youth company 'Starlights' come together to bring this production to life.

This time though, Martin is transforming from his day job as a headmaster to play Reverend Shaw Moore, the central figure of Bomont and a key character to the story.

"Reverend Moore is a very serious character who has tried to bury his sons grief.  It requires him to be very serious throughout the show, and you see him go on a real journey.  I have some really great scenes with many of the characters such as Becky Rungen who is playing my wife Vi and some really nice dialogue with Ariel, my daughter played by Bethany Griffiths, and then Ren, played by William Swinnerton, too. I usually play roles with a bit more singing and a bit less dialogue, so remembering all of my lines has been the biggest challenge this time around!"

With not long left to go until opening night and the final rehearsals under way, Martin comments "It's going really well and everything is coming together now.  It is going to be a brilliant show, you need to make sure you don't miss this one!"

Tickets are now on sale for Footloose at The Lights, on between Wednesday 30th November - Saturday 3rd December (7:30pm) with a matinee on Saturday 3rd December (2:30pm).  To book your tickets now, go to The Lights Box Office at www.thelights.org.uk or call 01264 368368.