Back to the 80s Programme

BACK TO THE 80s!

A Musical by

Neil

Gooding

Additional

Material

by Stuart Smith Revised Orchestrations and arrangements by Brett Foster Original Musical Adaptation by Scott Copeman This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.co.uk

Disclaimer: Please note the attitudes and comments made by some of characters within the show are synonymous with the time period in which Back to the 80s is set and in no way reflect the values and opinions we hold here at South Dartmoor Community College.

Synopsis:

Remember when legwarmers and blue eye shadow were cool? When Atari was cutting edge technology? From the era that brought the world The Rubik's Cube, Max Headroom and The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comes this "totally awesome" musical in the style of movies such as Back To The Future, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Karate Kid and The Wedding Singer.

Set in the USA, the story tells of the senior class of William Ocean High School who graduated in the 1980s, as remembered and seen through the eyes of Corey Palmer, who is now 30-something.

The then teenage Corey is madly in love with his next-door neighbour, Tiffany Houston, one of the coolest girls in the school. However, she barely notices this, as she is too busy dreaming about Michael Feldman, the most popular guy around. Michael and his friends are athletic and good-looking - the kind of guys that Corey and his two best friends dream of being. However, while they may not be the coolest guys in school, they are still one up on Feargal McFerrin III, whose best friend is his computer, and who believes the crazy notion that one day CDs will replace cassette tapes!

Follow the class through their final year of High School where we’ll see Class President Elections, several new students arrive at the school, fake love letters arrive in lockers and the charity concert and prom night arrive. Watch how key characters fall in and out of love, unlikely friendships blossom, and even the teachers Mr Cocker and Miss Brannigan join in with the drama!

Throw in a Star Wars dream sequence, high-energy dance routines, the obligatory 80s party scene, copious amounts of blue eye-shadow, multiple cans of hairspray, as well as some of the most popular songs ever written and you’ve got a show full of nostalgia which will have you tapping your feet and questioning whether you could still get away with a mullet!

Can Mr Cocker and Miss Brannigan put their differences aside? Will Corey finally get the girl of his dreams? Will the Prom night be a success? Will Feargal ever get a date?

To find out the answers to all these questions and many more, all you have to do is join us on this journey…Back to the 80s!

Production Team

Director: Amy Small Musical Director/ Co-director: Rachel Lewis Choreographer/Co-director: Abi Slater

Backstage Crew: Jess Clark, Rachael King, Megan Perry Hair/Make-Up: Rosie Robinson

Lighting and Sound: Will Tippett and Harry Germon and Chris Wright from Blue Thunder Sound Robert Gubby from NBP Stage Design/Construct: Robin Alexander, Alvin Wilson, Pete Merrick, Pat Naylor Photography: Chris Hodges Programme Design: Amy Small and Rachel Lewis

A note from the Director:

Back to the 80s has been such a nostalgic show, not just due to the soundtrack or the romanticised look back on teenage years, but because within this company I have seen a sense of community, fun and passion – this is present in all SDCC shows but has been so palpable with this one. Walking into the hall to find the cast being led in a warm up by lead characters, observing dancers spend every possible free moment rehearsing choreography and the whole cast responding so well to one another has led to a really professional and coherent company both on and off stage. This was evident when walking back stage to hear nothing…not one sound…that is unheard of!

I have been blown away with the progress this company has made in such a short space of time, the way performers have grown in confidence and the genuine care and support given to each other has been very clear.

Our students really are the most incredible force and to see them flourish and support one another both on and off stage is truly a gift. Go out there, get ‘footloose’…we really do ‘owe it all to you!’

A note from the Choreographer:

My energy has been boosted, my creativity inspired and my dancing heart is full! It is hard to put into words just how sensational this group of dancers have been to work with. At South Dartmoor we strive to harness the very best that our students are capable of; we ask them to give every opportunity their all and to do so with capacity to make mistakes that help them to build a foundation for their life experiences to sit upon. The choreography for Back to the 80s is both exciting and challenging in equal measure and every single rehearsal has been fully charged; with the dancers bursting through the doors at 3:10pm ready to, quite literally, ‘kick off their Sunday shoes’ and learn original choreography that celebrates their skills as dancers. They make up a small part of the wider Company but they should absolutely be celebrated as fireflies that ignite the flame of the show. Each member of the dance chorus knows just how much I value them and how much they bring to the culture of Dance here at South Dartmoor. Make sure that you tap your feet that little bit harder as they make you feel like you’re ‘dancing on the ceiling’ and ‘having the time of your life!’

A note from the Musical Director:

We’ve had the ‘time of our lives’ working on Back to the 80s this term. The production band have loved the catchy lines and challenge of learning so many iconic tracks. Our students have been amazing learning lyrics and vocal harmonies for the vast score of this fun production. They have all been incredible in sharing so much energy and experience with one another throughout.

The company have been wonderful to work with and have taken risks given smiles, laughter, commitment and much, much more. I hope you enjoy the music as much as we do.

The Cast

I am in Y13, I have been involved the following SDCC productions - School of Rock where I played the role of Zack, Fame where I played Joe and Matilda where I was Miss Trunchbull.

I have enjoyed spending my time doing what I love and making the most of my time left at SDCC creating memories I'll never forget.

I am in Yr10. I have been in the following SDCC productions – Fame where I was part of the chorus and Matilda where I played Bruce.

I have loved being a part of the productions here, it’s always a team effort and like a loving family for me, everyone is there to help each other. Every day in rehearsal there is always a memory that will last forever. The production brings people from South Dartmoor together and I’ve loved every second of it.

Corey Snr – Harry Wilson

Corey Jnr – Jack Lewis

I am in Yr10. I have been in the following SDCC productions – Fame where I was part of the chorus and Matilda, where I was part of the class.

I have loved the atmosphere and the love everyone in the cast brings to every show.

I am in Yr9 and Matilda was my first SDCC production where I played the character of Matilda.

I've had an amazing time performing with an incredible, supportive cast.

Alf Bueller – Sunnie Smith

Kirk Keaton – Lucy Leonard – Williams

I am in Yr9. Back to the 80s is my first SDCC production as I joined at the end of year 8.

I have enjoyed the whole experience but especially getting to know everyone better. They are all so nice and have made the whole experience so fun.

I am in Yr10. I have been involved in the following SDCC productions – Fame where I was part of the chorus. Matilda, where I played Mrs Wormwood.

I love everything about productions like this because of the amazing people in it and the excitement and adrenaline it gives you. Back to the 80s has been especially fun because I get to work with talented people and meet new friends along the way!!

Tiffany Houston – Nell Newman

Tiffany Houston – Kitty Crook

I am in Yr10. I have been in the following SDCC productions – Fame, where I was part of the chorus and Matilda, where I was also a member of the chorus.

I have gained lots of experience from taking part in these brilliant shows and am grateful to share my experiences with such talented and nice people!

I am in Yr9. I have been involved in one other SDCC production – Matilda, where I played Rudolpho.

I have loved being part of Back to the 80s as I have been able to express myself through wacky ways!

Cyndi Gibson – Loren Gonski

Feargal McFerrin III – Henry Gibbs

I am in Yr12. I have been involved with the last SDCC production, Matilda where I played the role of Sergei.

I have massively enjoyed being supported by the creative team and making new friends with the wonderful cast.

I am in Yr8. I was involved in the last SDCC production, Matilda, where I played a class member.

I have loved making amazing friends in the cast and working with really talented people.

I have gained so much confidence!

Feargal McFerrin III – Rhys Goldsworthy

Michael Feldman – Doro Williamson

I am in Yr9. In the last SDCC production, Matilda I played part of the chorus.

The whole experience of getting to know the other cast members has just been amazing.

I am in Yr9. I was involved in Matilda last year where I was part of the chorus.

I have really enjoyed the opportunity and getting to know everyone in the cast. Memories I will never forget.

Billy Arnold – Ruby Gibbs

Billy Arnold – Olive McCauley

I am in Yr9. Last year I was involved in Matilda, where I played the role Nigel.

I have loved working with the band, the funky 80s music and just having fun

I am in Yr9. I was involved in the production last year, Matilda, where I played a role in the chorus.

Back to the 80s has allowed us to play very exaggerated characters, creating comedy and having fun with friends – it has all been great.

Lionel Astley – Bee Gregson

Huey Jackson – Camila Lewis

I am in Yr10. I have been part of the following SDCC productions - Fame where I was part of the chorus and Matilda as a member of the class.

Everyone has been so supportive and kind and we're truly all like family – I just love the productions.

I am Yr9. I have been involved in the following SDCC shows – Matilda where I was part of the chorus

I have enjoyed the amazing and supportive cast that have made the experience so amazing.

Eileen Reagan – Ehama Vatish -Barker

Debbie Fox – Gracie Cobley

I am Yr9. I was part of last year’s production, Matilda, where I was part of the chorus.

I have loved hanging out with friends, making new friends and creating characters in our costumes

I am in Yr10. I have been involved in the in the following SDCC productions – Fame where I was part of the chorus. I was also in Matilda, where I ran the backstage.

I have enjoyed the uncontrollable fun of all of it (especially the songs) and the hair and makeup.

Laura Wilde – Lola Hughes-O’Flynn

Laura Wilde – Megan Perry

I’m a Yr 12 and I have been in previous shows such as Little Shop of Horrors playing a diva, Fame playing the character Mabel and Matilda being Mrs Phelps the librarian.

What I have enjoyed in this production is being with everyone and making each other laugh.

I am in Yr11. I have been involved with precious SDCC shows including - Little Shop of Horrors where I was in the chorus, Fame where I was a member of the drama class, and Matilda, where I played Agatha Trunchbull.

It has been great fun working with all the cast and crew. I feel especially lucky to work with the senior members of the cast who I have learnt a lot from in our time together. Back to the 80’s has some awesome music and fabulous dance routines - memories that will last a life time!

Kim Easton – May Bullous

Mel Easton – Heather Aiken

I am in Yr13. Past SDCC shows I have been in include – Annie, where I was part of the chorus, School of Rock where I played Billy, Little Shop of Horrors where I played Wink Wilson, in Fame I played Mr Sheinkopf and most recently Matilda, where I played Mr Phelps.

The thing I’ve loved most about Back to the 80s is the use of the simply incredible songs and being with such a wonderful and supportive cast

I am in Yr13. I have been involved in numerous SDCC productions including, Annie, where I was a member of the chorus. School of Rock where I played Tomika, Little Shop of Horrors where I was Ronette, in Fame I played the role of Carmen and most recently, Matilda, where I played Miss Honey.

It’s been so amazing having the opportunity to participate in these incredible productions, I have loved every minute working with such talented people. Back to the 80s has been such a fun last production! Thank you for all the memories!

Mr Stevie Cocker – Cadon Richards

Ms Sheena Brannigan – Abi Ferguson

Dance Chorus

(Top row) John Cox-Wright, Daisy Diekmann – Hoyle, Phoebe Mogeni, (Bottom row) Isla McCabe, Lexi Daniels, Aurelia Fanshawe

(Top row) Missy Mae Daniels, Izzy Forwood, Nelly Bingham (Bottom row) Kayleigh Jones

Band

Thomas Young – Drums

Ash Goulden – Bass Guitar

Jago Joscelyne – Electric Guitar

Hannah Manley - Keyboard

Our Supporters:

The following business and individuals have sponsored us, supported with fundraising, helped with making of set/props and donated their time and expertise so willingly

Thank you

A huge thank you to…

Jennifer Richards and Louise Ogley who spent hours measuring, cutting and sewing the black fabric ‘socks’ for our set – we will be able to reuse these in future shows so this is a massive bonus! Thank you to Jennifer also for making the kilts for the 500 miles!

Des Stokes, Rick Dale and Louise Ogley for making (and adapting) Michael’s car…especially at such short notice.

Robin Alexander for setting up the band’s equipment and for recording voice overs and messages.

Jo Distin for managing Ticket Source our new ticketing system, hopefully this has been less admin for you!

Pat, Pete and Alvin from our premises team for supporting the building of the set and logistics during rehearsals as well as parking for the shows. We appreciate you so very much!

Paul Cobley for your energy and support during some Sunday rehearsals.

All of the FOSDA and staff helpers who have supported with the serving of refreshments, and for your support with fundraising for the show.

Mike Bullous from Teign Signs who expertly created our production posters – a wonderful trip down the memory lane of our most recent productions.

Our final, biggest thank you goes to the parents/carers of our fantastic cast and band –ferrying them to and from rehearsals, enduring flashbacks of your teenage years as the lines and lyrics were learnt, for sourcing the fantastic costumes and for supporting us at the performances.

Thank you for coming to watch Back to the 80s. We hope you enjoy the show!