BBLOC History

Oklahoma!

Producer: Ricky Price
Musical Director: Mike Reynolds

• A very successful production
• A fun morning at Burley Manor Riding Stables in the New Forest for publicity photos

The Land Of Smiles

Director: Ricky Price
Musical Director: Mike Reynolds

• This was Ricky’s favourite show – he was in Charles Hickman’s production for Sadlers Wells at the London Coliseum
• It was the first time it had been produced in Bournemouth
• Concern over the possible Pavilion redevelopment
• Publicity photos were taken at Compton Acres

Half A Sixpence

Director: Ricky Price
Musical Director: Mike Reynolds

• On the opening night the company received a visit from David Heneker, who wrote the music and lyrics for the show 25 years previously.
• Tommy Steele also sent BBLOC his best wishes, together with a photo of himself in the role of ‘Artie’.

The Student Prince

Producer: Robin Sheringham
Musical Director: Sam Newgarth

While the company held its breath, the leading man lost his voice and had to mime his part which was sung by Jon Andrew in the pit. Then Jon lost his voice and John Lawrenson took over in the pit! Poor Brenda – not easy performing opposite a silent leading man!

This made the National Press with the headline ‘Leading Lady gets through three Leading Men in one week!’

• Alderman Deric S Scott DL, a longstanding supporter of BBLOC, took over as President

No No Nanette

Director: Jonathan Kane
Musical Director: Mike Reynolds

• The whole company learned how to tap dance which was great fun and was a first!
• Publicity photos were taken in the art deco foyer of the Norfolk Hotel, Richmond Hill
• Wonderful authentic costumes and professional props
• Anita Harris’s 14th year as President

Hello Dolly

Director: Jonathan Kane
Musical Director: Mike Reynolds

• This was the first of two shows produced by Jonathan Kane.
• The sets from Neath Operatic Society that had been designed by Jonathan
• Show moved to May/June
• Orchestra was augmented by Porchester School Band in one or two sequences

Annie Get Your Gun

Producer: Alan Carter
Musical Director: John Stranger

Top seat price was £2.80

Stunningly choreographed Indian dance with Julia Carter as solo dancer

My Fair Lady

Producer: Alan Carter
Musical Director: Sam Newgarth

With just a few weeks to curtain-up the company were suddenly faced with having to replace their new producer who had been forced to withdraw for business reasons. BBLOC were fortunate in finding an eminently suitable replacement in Alan Carter, principal of the Carter Wessex School of Dancing, ably assisted by his wife Julia.

Early in Alan’s career he was ballet master for the classic film ‘The Red Shoes’ and since then had experience of dance and professional theatre throughout Europe, including ballet director in Munich, Tel Aviv and Istanbul, and directorship of the State Ballet Company in Finland

The Merry Widow

Producer: Ricky Price
Musical Director: Sam Newgarth

• The show was performed to mark Franz Lehar’s centenary year. Set in the 1920’s with Brenda Childs appearing for the second time as the ‘Widow’

The Sound Of Music

Producer: Ricky Price
Musical Director: Sam Newgarth

• First show to use children
• Open auditions were held
• Pavilion organ played by Derek Moody during the show
Surge of concerts for the company with Derek as Chorus Master