Our House 2024 Programme

Presents

11th – 16th September 2023

University Drama Studio, Sheffield

Presents

by Tim Firth

Music and lyrics by Madness

OUR HOUSE was first produced at the Cambridge Theatre, London On 28th October 2002. Producers were Tiger Aspect Productions, Rupert Lord, Andre Ptaszynski and Phil McIntyre in association with Madness This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI

Chairmans Jottings

Hello and welcome to the University Drama Studio and Splinters Theatre Group’s production of Our House, the Madness Musical.

This is my first season as chair of Splinters and what a season it’s been so far. I joined Splinters in 2002 at just 19 years old and was a member until the mandatory retirement age of 30! Never did I think all these years later I’d be privileged enough to be trusted to continue the amazing work we do here at Splinters.

As you can see this year, we are performing for you from a different venue. Splinters were disappointed that we would not be able to perform in our usual theatre this year, as it has closed for refurbishment. Not wanting to let our young cast down we went searching for an alternative and are so excited to be able to return here to the University Drama Studio, where Splinters started in 1989. We have been welcomed with open arms and it really does feel like coming home. Thank you to all the staff here who have all been incredible.

In March this year we performed our first “More Than Words” concert at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. We are extremely lucky here at Splinters that past members just keep wanting to come back. So, what better way to get previous and current members together to showcase their talent than a concert. It was a huge success and we’re excited to be bringing the concert back again bigger and better in 2024 so keep an eye peeled for further details coming soon!

We are also extremely excited that we have been given the opportunity to perform the extremely popular and fabulous SIX: Teen Edition the musical. We begin rehearsals for SIX as soon as Our House is over and we will return here to the University Drama Studio in February 2024. Tickets are on sale now so get them while you still can!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes, our fabulous management team. Also, thanks to everyone who has helped in any way towards putting this year’s shows together. So much hard work goes on behind the scenes before during and after each show and if we could get everyone on stage to take a bow we would. Lastly but not least, a huge thank you to, our audience who without we would not be able to continue performing these amazing shows!

After the success of last year’s production of High School Musical, we thought that this year we needed something a bit different, and Our House was the perfect choice. The show is full of the amazing music of Madness with an exciting story line which will keep you gripped throughout. This cast have worked extremely hard over the past 5 months and I’m sure once you’ve witnessed it, you’ll agree that they are an extremely talented team. So, sit back relax and enjoy the toe tapping sounds of madness!

Management Team

Chairman

Finance Manager

Business Manager

Administrator

Production Manager

Child Protection Officer

Marketing Manager

Socials Manager

Socials manager

Technical Advisor

James Parkin

Mark Holmes

Ian Walker

Rachel Wadsworth

John Crowther

Sarah Addis

Kate Parkin

Faith Elizabeth Hardy

Leah Rhodes-Burch

Pete Miles

We couldn't be prouder of this incredible Team. Now go and smash it! Love from Kate and James xx

Moving on

Here at Splinters, we are always sad to say goodbye to our young performers when they move on to new adventures but we are also extremely proud and excited for them. This year we say goodbye to Maisie, Jake and Faith who have all gained places at various Drama and music schools.

Faith first joined Splinters in 2019 for our Fabulous production of Sister Act where she played Sister Mary Robert. She then took on the role of Gabriella in last years smash hit High School Musical. As well as being one of our performers, Faith also took on the role of Social Media Manager for Splinters and has been an invaluable member of the management team. Faith has gained a place at the London School of Musical Theatre where she will continue her studies. We are so very proud of you Faith, thank you for all your hard work and we wish you all the luck in the world for the future.

Maisie Joined Splinters for our production of Sister Act in 2019 and then took the part of Sharpay in last year's hit High School Musical. After smashing the last 2 years at CAPA College in Wakefield Maisie has gained a place at Performance Preparation Academy in Guildford where she will continue her studies. We are very proud of you Maisie and wish you all the luck for the future.

Jake joined us as Chad in last years production of High School Musical. Jake has spent the last 2 years studying Musical Theatre at CAPA College and will be continuing his studies next year at Performance Preparation Academy in Guildford. We are very proud of you Jake and wish you all the luck for the future.

Masie Dyche

Faith Elizabeth Hardy

Jake Newton

Musical Numbers

Act 1

Our House Company

Simple Equation Dad

My Girl Joe, Lewis, Emmo

Simple Equation Reprise Dad

Baggy Trousers Reecey, Company

Simple Equation Reprise Dad

Embarrassment Company

Driving in my car Joe, Sarah, Emmo, Lewis, Billie, Angie

Shut up Reecey, Joe, Company

Tomorrows Just Another Day/ Joe, Company

The Sun and the Rain Joe, Company

Act 2

Night Boat to Cairo Dad

Wings of a Dove Company

One Better Day Joe, Dad

Rise and Fall Joe

House of Fun/Rise and fall/My Girl Julie, Joe, Mr Pressman

N.W.5 Sarah

Embarrassment (law Firm) Company

It Must Be Love Joe, Sarah

The Sun and the Rain Joe, Company

Finale Company

Show Synopsis

Revolving around the music of British band, Madness, OurHousefollows the story of London lad Joe Casey.

On the night of his sixteenth birthday, an over-excited Joe takes Sarah, the girl of his dreams, out for a romantic evening. On a whim, he breaks into a new building development near his house to show Sarah the view over north London. When the police come, Joe faces a tough decision: to run or give himself up.

It is at this point that the story splits in two as we follow the fortunes, and misfortunes, of Good Joe and Bad Joe.

Good Joe stays, hands himself over to the police and faces imprisonment and social embarrassment, However Bad Joe flees, leaving Sarah alone, and turning his lucky escape into a high-risk future in illegal business.

Once released from juvenile detention, Good Joe fights to keep Sarah as she drifts further away from him, caught up in university life. Meanwhile Bad Joe gets in with a criminal crowd and becomes a successful, if dishonest, businessman in property development.

He meets Sarah once more and she is bowled over by his new, confident lifestyle. Swept away, Sarah marries Bad Joe in Vegas but soon lives to regret her decision.

Meanwhile, Good Joe struggles to earn an honest living and must accept that Sarah has a new life and a new boyfriend. But when his beloved Casey Street is threatened with demolition, he turns to Sarah once more in her new role as a lawyer, will the pair rekindle their love? Will Joe save Casey Street?

As the parallel worlds of Good and Bad Joe Casey head towards an explosive climax, which decision will Joe make?

Will he do the right thing?

To Rebecca, we are so sorry to miss your debut performance, due to a pre-planned holiday, but we are so proud of the commitment you have shown. Enjoy every Minute. Love Dad and Paula x

Our House Cast

Principles

Joe Casey

Josh Fishburn

Sarah Jessica Smith

Joes’ Dad

Kath Casey

John Crowther

Leah Rhodes-Burch

Lewis Lewis Spowage

Emmo

Billie

Angie

Reecey

Mr Pressman

Callum

Ensemble Characters

Ben Rossiter

Lily Grayson

Maeve Hughes

Dan Rossiter

Richard Granger

Arthur Woodward

Arthur Woodward Grandad, Ray, Uncle

Christina Limb

Emily Ballin

Jack Ballin

Lauren Turner

Wednesday Addis

Richard Granger

Cerys Wright

Julie, Youth Custody officer

Massey

Priest, Car Salesman, Barrister, Copper

Nun, Council Solicitor, Smith, Aunt

Joes’s Solicitor, Clown, Harper

Copper, Dog, Mr Jesmond

Heather, Lawyer

Ruby Wilson Daisy, Copper

Ensemble

Angel Grant-Bennett

Ashleigh Andrew

Becky Staton-Williamson

Holly Hamnet

Rebecca Shaker

Millie Fletcher

Olivia Wilbourne

Rebecca Shaker

Scarlet McGregor

Break-a-Leg, Becky. Have a great show week! Love Mum and Shane xx

This is Josh’s second show with splinters, and his first lead performance. He has loved every second of it. The people he’s had the privilege to act alongside have made the show that much more special for him. Joe is a particularly challenging role due to the duality portrayed within the character, yet Josh absolutely loves the contrast and change in dynamic between both good and bad joe and having such a supportive team made this experience even better…

Ben is thrilled to be playing the part of Emmo this year. This is Bens first principal part with Splinters and can’t wait to perform along side all the other talented cast. Bens favourite part about Splinters is the warm, welcoming atmosphere that splinters cast and crew all have. Hope you enjoy the show.

Lewis is 16 years old and excited to be performing with Splinters for the second year running. He loves musical theatre and has been performing since he was 6. He is thrilled to play his namesake in ‘Our House’ and be mixing with both old & new friends.

John has been involved in amateur theatre since the age of 5 with various societies and performing on most Sheffield theatres including the Lyceum. He started with splinters when they performed Barnum and has been an active member ever since both on and off stage. He is delighted to be invited back to play the part of the dad as well as being the production manager for Our House

Dan is thrilled to be a part of such a great production with STG and cannot wait to start performing. Reecey is a completely different style of character to Dan’s previous roles, yet Dan is loving the change and excited to play the considered ‘baddie’ within the production. Dan is starting at Capa College in September to study his passion for musical theatre further and cannot wait. Splinters has been amazing for Dan’s confidence and really helped him come out of his shell and be comfortable in doing what he loves.

Our House is Richard’s second show with Splinters having last appeared as Michael Dork in Loserville. It's also the second time Richard has performed in Our House, having played Emmo ten years ago with STOS Theatre Company.

Richard is delighted to join such a talented young cast, as the evil Mr Pressman, amongst other cameo appearances. Some of Richard’s favourite roles include: Emmett (Legally Blonde), Lord Farquaad (Shrek), Harry/Angel (Kinky Boots), Mole (Wind in the Willows), Buddy (Elf), Freddy (My Fair Lady).

Lewis Spowage – Lewis

Dan Rossiter- Reecey

John Crowther – Joe’s Dad

Richard Granger – Mr Pressman

Josh Fishburn – Joe Casey

Ben Rossiter – Emmo

This page is sponsored by The “Unofficial Dance Captain" and the Oldies. Enjoy the show! Richard, John and Leah

Jessica Smith – Sarah This is Jessica’s second show with Splinters and she is so excited to be part of such an amazing production. This is her first ever supporting lead role and she feels honoured to be doing it playing a character like Sarah. Jess has enjoyed every part of this production and feels that splinters positive atmosphere has really helped her develop her confidence and characterisation of Sarah and she is excited to show you what the cast have been working on for the past 7 months. Madness’ songs are truly masterpieces and bring out the energy from everyone on stage. She hopes that they do the songs and the storyline justice, and you enjoy the show!

Lily Grayson – Billie

This is Lily’s second show at splinters and second principal role - quite a contrast to the shy pianist Kelsi in high school musical to chavvy school girl Billie Morton. She has really enjoyed playing this role and has loved having Maeve playing her twin alongside. Our house holds a special place with lily and everyone who was a part of it.

Maeve Hughes – Angie

This is Maeve's first show with Splinters. She is thrilled to be a part of Our House with such a talented cast and company. Rehearsals have been so much fun and she cannot wait show the audience what they've been up to! Enjoy the show!

Leah Rhodes-Burch - Kath

Leah is loving being back at Splinters and sharing the stage with such a talented bunch!! Loving being part of Our House playing Kath. She has been involved in AmDram for over 30 years and grateful to be able to be part of so many shows with great people on and off stage. Her most favourite role to date has to be Chris in Calendar Girls. Enjoy the show you’re in for a treat!

Arthur Woodward – Callum

I’m thrilled to be performing once again with the amazing Splinter’s Theatre Group after joining them last year for High School Musical. Rehearsals have been a joy with everyone putting in an incredible amount of effort and I can’t wait to get going as I know the show’s going to be fabulous! I’ve previously appeared in Grease at the City Hall and Peter Pan at the Lyceum. I am a member of the National Youth Theatre.

Ensemble

Angel Grant-Bennett, Ashleigh Andrew, Becky Staton-Williamson, Cerys Wright ,Christina Limb, Emily Ballin Holly Hamnett, JackBallin, Lauren Turner, Millie Fletcher, Olivia Wilbourne, Rebecca Shaker, Ruby Wilson, Scarlet McGregor, Wednesday Addis

Have a great week Angel, so proud of you. Love Aunty

Susan and Hayley xx

Angel Grant-Bennett

Ashleigh Andrew

Becky Staton –Williamson

Cerys Wright

Holly Hamnett

Emily Ballin

Christina Limb

Wednesday Addis

Scarlet McGregor

Ruby Wilson

Rebecca Shaker

Jack Ballin

Lauren Turner

Millie Fletcher

Olivia Wilbourne

Sponsored by Ian & Lindsey Walker - wishing Splinters continued success.

James was a member of Splinters from 2002 until mandatory retirement! He was lucky enough to play some fantastic roles during his time in Splinters. Tony (West Side Story), Tony (Copacabana), Galileo (WWYR), Lewis (Our House) to name a few and when Splinters needed an old person, he came back last year to play Coach Bolton (High School Musical)!

This is James’ Splinters directing debut and has loved every minute of it. Whilst it’s such a challenging show to direct, seeing how the cast has developed and grown has been very rewarding and this young group should be extremely proud of themselves!

A huge thanks to Katie and Dom and everyone else who has helped put this show together. It’s been fantastic working with them and along with co-director & wife Kate, they couldn’t have done it without them!

Kate Joined splinters when she was 16 in 1994 for our production of Barnum and stayed a member until she had to leave at the age of 30. She was privileged to have been able to play some amazing parts with Splinters including Sally Bowles (Cabaret) Meatloaf (We Will Rock You). She also met her now husband James at Splinters and is delighted that her eldest daughters Jaimie and Ashleigh and stepdaughter Olivia have all performed with Splinters and have been able to experience what Splinters is all about. Kate is so happy to be back directing again this year, Our House is a challenging show to put together, but she has had an incredible team around her, and it has been a pleasure to be back working with Katie Dom and James. Thank you to everyone for all your help and support. Splinters are truly an incredible team and she couldn’t be prouder of every single one of them! Let's do this!

Katie trained at the Constance Grant Dance Centre from the age of 3, and now continues to teach at the dance centre alongside working as a full-time primary school teacher. She has performed with many different theatre groups in Sheffield from a very young age and like many others, counted down the years until she was finally old enough to join Splinters Theatre Group at the age of 13. She has so many happy memories of her time with Splinters, taking part in some amazing productions and making lifelong friends. Katie returned to Splinters Theatre Group last year after a few years away to choreograph their production of High School Musical and is absolutely thrilled to be back once again this year for Our House! She has loved working alongside Kate, James and Dom as well as this incredibly talented young cast - it has been a privilege to see them go from strength to strength over the last few months and she is so proud of all that they have achieved. She hopes that you are all ready to clap, cheer and move your feet “to the rockin-est, rock steady beat of Madness!” Go Team Splinters!

Dominic is a drummer, percussionist, and musical director based in Sheffield. He plays with a variety of bands and ensembles and has worked with artists including Jarvis Cocker, Lesley Garrett, and Tony Christie. He runs two function bands – Jazz Manifesto and The Sound of The Crowd – and performs regularly as a session musician. Dominic has performed with worldfamous ensembles including the Grimethorpe Colliery Band and is highly experienced in playing in both orchestral and band settings. Dominic also produces music under the name Dominic Miles, releasing his debut single ‘El Baile (No, Thanks For Asking)’ in 2020. Our House is Dominic’s second show as musical director with Splinters Theatre Group, and he is excited to be working with such a talented cast and band.

Musical director credits include: Legally Blonde (2023), The Wedding Singer (2022), High School Musical (2022, 2019), Footloose (2015).

www.dominicridler.com

Katie Granger – Choreographer

Dominic Ridler – Musical Director

Kate Parkin – Director

To Ashleigh, Olivia, Kate & James. So proud of all of you!! Love Nannan & Grandad, Mom & Dad, Mary & Phil xx

James Parkin – Director

Director

Director

Choreographer

Musical Director

Production manager

Stage Manager

Lighting Design

Production Team

James Parkin

Kate Parkin

Katie Granger

Dominic Ridler

John Crowther

Jodi Garth

TD Lighting

Sound Design University Drama Studio

Wardrobe Manager

Joe’s Dressers

Props manager

Assistant Stage Manager

Stage Crew

Sarah Thorby

Nick Challenger

Ria Westhead

Rachael Eyton

Kathryn Ellis

Sam LeCount, Charlie Rushforth & Oliver Rhodes

Set Scenic Projects

Set Construction

Make up

Publicity/Marketing

FOH Manager

Programme

Photography

Costume Hire

Ableton Programming

Mainstage Keyboard Programming

Pete Miles, Kev Chambers & John Crowther

Marie Rowley, Alison Purdy, Bry Hutchinson and Team

Faith Elizabeth Hardy

Kate Parkin

Mary Newey

Kate Parkin

Georgina Hartley-Willows

Roe-Parkin Creative

Manor Operatic Society

Dominic Ridler

Andy Collis

Special Thanks For Your Support

Richard Granger

Manor Operatic Society

Constance Grant Dance Centre

Montgomery Theatre Sheffield

One Stop Volunteer Dressers

Keyboard 1

Keyboard 2

Guitar

Bass

Drums

Tenor Saxophone

Trumpet

Band

Direct Print and Promotion

Ecco Theatre Arts

Blaze Youth Music Theatre

Hessle Theatre Company

Front of House Volunteers

Chaperones

Kirsty Lomax

Jamie Brown

Adam Walker

Joss Mann-Hazell

Dominic Ridler

Liz Hague

Matthew Knowles

Page Sponsored by Mr Grumpy (aka Pete Miles) on behalf of Little Miss Sunshine & the Apprentices (aka Jodi Garth & the Stage Crew)

Who are we

Splinters Theatre Group was formed in 1989 as part of Woodseats Operatic Society with the aim to be a group run "by young people for young people".

Our founding members searched for a name for the new youth group which was an offshoot from Woodseats. As a group that "splintered" from another, the name Splinters Theatre Group seemed perfect.

Splinters is open to anyone between the ages of 14-30 interested in getting involved in musical theatre. Today, we are one of the leading youth groups in South Yorkshire, producing high quality musicals and productions year upon year.

Splinters provides many opportunities to explore and discover all aspects of theatre production whether it be on stage or behind the scenes.

Many of our members have gone on to work professionally in “The Business” on stage and screen and we love seeing their careers flourish.

Our mission is to give the youth of Sheffield the chance to experience working in a professional environment, to help our members build their confidence while having fun and making friendships that last a lifetime.

If you would like to get involved, please contact us through our website we are always looking for new members both on stage and behind the scenes and you would be very welcome. Splinterstheatregroup.co.uk

In Memory of Paul Wright

Splinters were greatly saddened to hear that earlier this year our founder, Paul Wright had passed away. In 1988 Paul (Chairman and Musical Director of Woodseats Operatic Society) and Don Semmens (past Director of Woodseats) had the wonderful idea to form “Splinters” (get the connection – Woodseats/Splinters) together with young Woodseats members and GODSPELL went into rehearsal in June 1989. Members were aged between 14 and 30 years and the show was performed in October 1989 at the University Drama Studio, with the Group confident enough to advertise their 1990 show GREASE in the 1989 programme.

During the 1990s Splinters performed many extremely successful musical shows with Paul and Don guiding the Company to numerous sell-out performances at the University Drama Studio. For some years Splinters have played at various venues, but 2023 sees them back at the UDS with “Our House”.

We hope that Paul would be very proud that we are continuing with his mission, Splinters would not be here without him, and our thoughts are with his wife Val and daughter Vicky at this very sad time.

Thank you Paul for everything you did for Youth Musical Theatre in Sheffield.

A warm welcome to our honorary life members, thank you for your years of dedicated service to Splinters theatre Group.

Mary Titterton

Hugh Finnigan

Sandra Staniforth

Jill Beckett

Andy Hibbert

This page is sponsored by Val and John Mills. "A Big Break-A-Leg for Team Splinters. Have and Awesome Week".

Past Productions

CGDC

Splinters Theatre Group is proud to be affiliated to the national Operatic and Dramatic Association.

NODA was founded in 1899 and has over 2,000 society members and over 1,000 individual enthusiasts staging musicals, operas, plays, concerts and pantomimes in a wide range of venues.

Noda aims:

•Give a shared voice to the amateur theatre sector.

•Help amateur societies and individuals achieve the highest standards of best practice and performance.

•Provide leadership and advice to enable the amateur theatre sector to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Visit

Noda Mission:

NODA’s mission is to support the education and information needs of individuals and organisations with high quality services and products that contribute to the success of amateur theatre as well as encouraging appreciation of the sector by participants and audiences alike.

noda.org.uk