The show is about two old school friends who coincidentally meet each other again and decide to form an ABBA tribute band.
The show lasts approximately 2 hours 15 minutes including an interval and is recommended for people aged 14+.
Our new front door is located on Centenary Square, shown here:
Our Box Office (left) and Foyer (right) are shown here:
A Chill Out Space is available during the Relaxed Performance in Suite One on the first floor. It has sensory lights and toys. A Quiet Room is available during all performances on the second floor. Please ask a member of staff if you would like to use these spaces.
Ian Hallard plays Peter
James Bradshaw plays Edward
Andrew Horton plays the Waiter/Christian
Rose Shaloo plays Jodie
Sara Crowe plays Mrs Campbell
Tariye Peterside understudies
Mrs Campbell / Sally / Jodie
voices Nan
Paul O'Grady
voices Radio DJ
The following graphics tell the sonic story of the show.
They highlight the key sounds that occur throughout the performance.
If you are attending the relaxed performance on Thu 2 Mar at 2.45pm, this show has been tailored to a 'relaxed' atmosphere. This means:
House lights will remain on at a low level Audiences will be able to move freely in and out of the auditorium at any point in the show
A Chill Out Space with sensory lights is available in Suite One on the first floor.
Please note, there is no strobe lighting, loud unexpected sound effects or pyrotechnics used in this production.
The visual story below outlines the main synopsis for the production.
You may choose not to read on if you want to avoid spoilers.
The story begins with Jodie, an aspiring actress, auditioning to join an ABBA tribute band.
She's very nervous and talks non-stop at Sally, the Stage Manager for the Theatre.
Peter is seen getting ready for a date whilst talking to his Nan on the phone. There is a knock on the door and to Peter's surprise, his date is his old school friend, Edward.
They talk to each other about their lives now and reminisce about their past.
As Edward is leaving, Peter invites him to a pub lunch the next day.
Edward goes to the pub early and meets a waiter he finds attractive.
Peter arrives with his friend Sally who is a Stage Manager at a local Theatre. Sally receives a phone call from her wife Diane. Diane manages the Theatre, she is upset that an ABBA tribute band has cancelled their performance.
Edward decides that he and Peter should replace them as an ABBA tribute band, in drag!
Peter hosts auditions for the band, it becomes clear that Jodie was auditioning for Peter and Edward's band at the beginning of the show.
Jodie is Peter's second choice but she agrees to join the band, as does Mrs Campbell, who is playing piano at the audition.
The band start rehearsals and decide to call themselves 'Head Over Heels' .
Edward and Peter get ready for their first performance in a dressing room.
Once Edward leaves, Peter calls his Nan on the phone and tells her that he is gay. He also invites her to come and watch their show.
Sally comes in and comforts Peter before Edward and Peter go onstage.
There will now be a 20 minute interval.
You can:
Leave your seats to use the bathroom
Buy some refreshments from the café bar
Use our breakout room
Stay in your seats if you prefer
The show resumes. The band have just completed their first performance (which we don't see) and are very excited and pleased with how it went.
Christian, an aspiring photographer who watched the show tells the band that he really enjoyed it and that he'd like to take some promotional pictures for them.
The band has a photoshoot and after everyone leaves Christian and Peter chat about their shared love of ABBA.
The band are getting ready to perform at Christmas but it is clear that Mrs Campbell is too tired and ill to play so they ask Sally to go on instead.
The scene swaps to a hotel in Sheffield where Edward is staying. Christian is drunk and comes into the room. They talk and then Christian kisses Edward.
The next scene is backstage and Peter is crying. Sally runs in and is very worried but Peter is only crying about an ABBA video.
Sally says that she will be leaving the band once their current bookings are done.
Peter expresses concern about Edward drinking lots of alcohol.
Edward and Christian are at a spa. Edward says he feels guilty about keeping their relationship a secret.
Christian says that Edward should break up with his husband Melvyn to be with him.
The band is worried because Edward is not on time. Christian says he will play Edward's part. Peter helps Christian get ready and then they kiss.
Edward arrives drunk, he has left his husband (Melvyn). He realises Peter and Christian have kissed, and tells Peter he and Christian are in a relationship, Christian denies this.
Peter believes Christian. Edward is very sad and leaves the band.
The next scene is set a couple of years later and Sally, Mrs Campbell and Jodie are at Peter's house getting ready for a celebration.
Edward arrives and Peter apologises for not believing what he said about Christian.
They become friends again and sing The Way Old Friends Do. They then listen to ABBA's new single, I Still Have Faith in You.
