‘Tremendous’ talent brings Millie to Leamington

The Leamington and Warwick Musical Society’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie - full of songs and a variety of dance routines - will be performed at the Leamington venue from tomorrow (Tuesday) until Saturday (March 31).

Based on the popular film starring Julie Andrews and Carol Channing, the show tells the story of Millie Dillmont, who has just arrived in New York City in search of a new life.

The city is full of intrigue and jazz - a time when women are entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behaviour are changing forever.

Throw in some energetic flappers, debonair young men, a dragon of a lady and two mandarin speaking Chinese guys - and you get what the society are promising will make a “great evening’s entertainment”.

Coventry-based professional director Stephen Duckham said: “What’s so great about this show is that it’s got that feel-good factor.

“In fact, the comedy has been extended on the stage because it’s so immediate and a whole extra score of songs have been added. It’s actually quite different to the film. It has been great to rehearse.”

With a cast of 40 and a full crew of around 60, putting on the production is no mean feat - but Stephen says casting was not as hard as he had been expecting.

He said: “I was very lucky that, as well as a large number of the society’s existing members, a lot of new people came along to auditions.

“New shows always attract people. Actors want to be part of something different.” He added: “I have been involved in theatre all my life and have been a director since the late 1970s and I know that a lot of people from the Leamington and Warwick area have gone on into the business. There is a lot of tremendous talent here.

“It takes an enormous amount of work to put on a show - and these people are doing it in their spare time. But they do it because they love it.”

The show is on at 7.30pm each night, with an additional Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £15 (children £13 and senior citizens £14). Call 0845 218 3540 or go online.