Tradition’ – the opening number from our June performance of Fiddler on the Roof

Chairman’s Blog

Happy Summer everyone, well it was when I started writing…..all gone a bit Pete Tong since then. Still I’ve heard that Sunshine is on its way, especially on Leith! So it’s goodbye to the frozen Russian wastelands and hello sunny Scotland.

Before we leave Anatevka for good I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone, on stage, backstage, front of house, for making Fiddler on the Roof such a success. Despite the one reviewer who seemingly didn’t even get the plot the reviews have been fantastic, many saying it was our best yet. That is all down to talent and team work. Talent both on and off stage and teamwork that gave us the fastest get out in the history of BMOS!

There were two reviewers’ comments that stood out for me: “It didn’t matter who you looked at, or at which point of the songs, every one of the people on stage was having the time of their life. You felt a part of Anatevka” …and getting our very first entry on Trip Advisor with Four Stars and, “We saw Fiddler on the Roof and loved it. I’d never before been to an amateur performance but will definitely book a BMOS show again. Well done”

What do these say to me? BMOS is a really amazing company – a company who work together as a team and a company that fulfils its charitable objective to bring musical theatre to new, very appreciative audiences. Congratulations for making Fiddler such a memorable production and a special thank you to Pat for saving the day and giving us such an amazing venue for the aftershow party. What was that about a chicken?

So from Russia, with love, its time to move to the not so frozen wastes of Leith. Rehearsals are going well, the cast is brilliant and the vocals sound incredible. With a completey new set designed by the team who brought us South Pacific and a Birmingham premiere to boot its time to get the word out there and sell sell sell. Lets see if we can make Sunshine on Leith a 100% standing in the aisles sell out!

At the same time we need to get planning for the University of Birmingham Community Day, on September 6th , so whether you are in Sunshine or not if you would like to help out and/or perform on the BMOS Stage get rehearsing and let us know what you would like to do.

Meantime, our Social Secretary, John Ryan is putting together some summer fun with a company Summer Party on August 29th (details below) and a Karaoke night and Quiz night for later in the year.

So, deep breath, in the last twelve months we have striped in Full Monty and gone buff for the ladies of the Birmingham Press Association, entertained the Queen’s representative, the Lord Lieutenant of the County, in Sutton, created musical magic from the Just so Stories with 7 to 12 year olds at the University of Birmingham, performed a Les Miserables medley for 500 surveyors at the NEC and financial professionals at the Botanical Gardens and given an emotionally charged Fiddler to critical acclaim. Quite a twelve months!!!!!

Here’s to the next twelve………

LOVE MUSICALS, LOVE BMOS

Your very very proud “what was that about a chicken?” Chairman….John

Looking ahead to 2016

It has been quite a struggle to find a suitable show for June 2016, unlike some companies out there we don’t announce a show without a license and with the incredible popularity of Musical Theatre the number of shows on restriction is increasing almost daily. Add to that the theatre preferences as regards saleability , the changing license agreements (one show was going to cost us £24,000 and £7,000 before they would even grant the license) and the need to find shows for a larger company such as ours and it all gets a bit tricky. So that said I am delighted to announce that our 2016 June production at the New Alexandra Theatre, 14th to 18th June (we are in discussion with the theatre about a possible 7th performance being a Sunday Matinee) is going to be Calamity Jane. Unlike our last three productions, Calamity Jane is a light hearted musical comedy with some great songs including Deadwood Stage, Windy City, Black Hills of Dakota and the hit single Secret Love, check out www.guidetomusicaltheatre.com for a synopsis and character profiles and start spreading the news! Auditions will be November / December and we start work in January 2016. Yeeeehah!

John Spencer

Claire’s Corner 

Well it has been an extremely busy few months pulling the show together. Thank you to all who helped make Fiddler on the Roof an outstanding show. I have received so many positive comments, including from many of the parents of the children involved, who noticed how professional a company we are. Congratulations must go to our Chair John for perfecting so many lines in addition to all the work he was doing promoting the show alongside committee. I see some of you men have (excuse the pun )grown attached to those beards!!!

Since the show love has been in the air with members Laura Street announcing her engagement, shortly followed by Marie Donnellan. Congratulations to you both and your respective partners. Rob, Richard and Caroline have opened their printing business and we wish them every success.Sunshine rehearsals are underway and we have a fabulous cast.

It is great to see Suzanne, Laura, Chris and Stephen back for this one plus we welcome Sharon to play Jean whom we have known for a number of years, as well as Louise and Carys. Please contact myself or cast members for tickets.

The show at the Crescent runs from 29th Sept to 3rd October. We value the support from all members and if you are able to share the event on your pages that would be super.

If you know anyone who would like to take an advert in the Sunshine programme, starting from as little as £50, please get in touch ASAP.

Remember, if you wish to stay a member for 2015 and you have not done a show with us this year, no-acting fees of £15 are payable so that you remain a member into 2016.

Thanks. See you in Leith!

Claire x

Come join us for the University Community Day

Bring the family to the University of Birmingham Community Day on Sunday 6 September 2015 where you can explore the beautiful, historic campus and enjoy free events and activities throughout the day.

Activities will include bungee-trampoline, build a rocket, face painting, culture trails, create a dinosaur, carousel, mask making, climbing wall, farmers’ market, dig into the past, and much more! BMOS in conjunction with the Jubilee Centre have been asked to host a children’s musical workshop and entertain the over 10,000 visitors throughout the day with song and dance.

This will be a fantastic opportunity to publicise Sunshine on Leith, raise the profile of BMOS and have a great day out. Please support this free event and put your name down to help us in the BMOS Marquee.

Social News

Some of you may recall last year we had a very successful Summer Social at Sue Wells’ house (thank you again Sue for hosting). It was a great day, great weather and lots of fund raising activities – in fact we all raised over £200.

Upcoming event in September – Pub Quiz at the Craven Arms – watch this space for more details!

John Ryan