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St. Augustine's Musical Theatre Company

The UK Midlands' Award Winning Premier Local Theatre Company - Entertaining for 50 Years - 1974 to 2024

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MUSICAL DIRECTOR FOR
OLIVER!

We are looking to appoint a Musical Director for our forthcoming production of Oliver! 10th – 17th November 2024 at The Artrix Theatre, Bromsgrove.

We are a Solihull based amateur dramatic company with an excellent reputation. We are celebrating our 50th Anniversary year, a milestone and something to celebrate. We are a friendly company with a proud history of nominations and awards over the years and we look forward to inviting an enthusiastic person to join the company.

Our Musical Director will require confident interpersonal skills, be a good communicator and be someone who is inspirational and passionate about musical theatre.
You will need to demonstrate a strong understanding of other musical instruments, arrangements and transposition. This post includes not only working as a rehearsal pianist but also engaging and conducting the orchestra during show week.

Good time management is essential, organising cast rehearsals and ensuring the highest standards are met. You will work in close collaboration with the Director and the Choreographer to form a solid production team.

We are looking to start auditions in early April (tbc) and we rehearse at Widney Junior School, Widney Lane, Solihull B91 3LQ on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 7.30pm – 10pm. There is free parking at the school.

This is a paid post, by negotiation.

Please email a brief outline of your interest along with your CV to Veronica Walsh, Director/Producer at ynotwalsh@outlook.com or if you wish to find out more contact her on 07932 010453.

Closing date 22nd March 2024.


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HAPPY RETIREMENT STEPHEN!

It's with mixed emotions I share the news that Stephen Powell, our resident Musical Director for 34 years, is retiring. Mixed because, while I'm very happy for him, we will all miss him dearly.

Stephen joined St Augustine's MTC in 1990, with his first production being Guys & Dolls, and since then has worked with us on a whopping 44 shows!

So many people have been fortunate enough to benefit from Stephen’s incredible musical skills. From the hundreds of cast members he has coached vocally to his fellow musicians who’ve been fortunate to play in his orchestras – we all have so much to be grateful for.

But it’s his work alongside our Producer & Director, Veronica Walsh, for 40 shows which has created one of the most outstanding and special production partnerships and friendships in amateur theatre.

Stephen, we will miss your direction and extraordinarily high standards, your unique musical talent, and of course your support and friendship throughout each show. On behalf of everyone in the Company, we wish you a wonderful retirement and happiness in whatever you do next.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Much Love
Sandra Simpson
(Chair)


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AWARD NOMINATION!
Shrek The Musical

We are delighted to announce that our November 2023 production of Shrek the Musical has been nominated for a NODA award in the Musicals category!

Congratulations to everyone for making it a wonderful show - well-deserved recognition for a lot of hard work.

Well done also to all the other Companies for their nominations. The result will be announced in April.

“It was a fantastic show.” “An Absolutely amazing show, well done all.” “Loved every minute of it. Such a fantastic show.” “Brilliant night. Very entertaining.” “Absolutely amazing, a great cast and a great show.”

(Read more audience comments on the Current Productions page!)


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2023 PRODUCTION -
Shrek The Musical

14 to 18 November 2023

Following the closure of The Core Theatre in Solihull, our production of
Shrek the Musical took place at The Artrix Theatre in Bromsgrove and proved to be a big hit with audiences and the local press!

REVIEW- Bromsgrove’s Artrix back with a bang in spellbinding production of Shrek the Musical

BROMSGROVE’S Artrix was back with a bang as St Augustine’s MTC transported us to Duloc with its spellbinding, hilarious and heartwarming production of Shrek the Musical.

"This concoction of pure entertainment gave me, and I’m sure many others in the elated crowd, the most sublime theatre experience I’ve ever had.

Every second on stage felt like it was passionately pondered over and crafted over many an hour- every step, sentence and song was impeccably delivered and contributed to a truly joyous evening.

The play, much like the classic film, sees Shrek (Jake Genders) and his tag-along friend Donkey (Solomon Smith), attempt to get his swamp back from Lord Farquaad (Matt Barnard) by rescuing Princess Fiona (Sophia Gough) from a tower guarded by a fire-breathing dragon."
(Read the full review on the Current Productions page!)

Audience Comments:

“It was a fantastic show.”

An Absolutely amazing show, well done all.”

“It was fabulous.”

“Loved every minute of it. Such a fantastic show.”

"Absolutely amazing, well done
to everyone involved in this amazing show.”

“Brilliant night. Very entertaining.”

“Absolutely amazing, a great cast and a great show.”

(Read more audience comments on the Current Productions page!)


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KIPPS - The New ‘Half a Sixpence’ Musical

Kipps played at The Core Theatre, Solihull from 15 to 19 November 2022. Thanks to all audiences who came to see the show. Here are some of your comments:

“It was brilliant, very professional and thoroughly entertaining.”

“And what an opening night. It was brilliant. Thank you all for a wonderful show.”

“The Mayor of Solihull came to see the show last night! His review “What a triumph”! Come and see for yourself.”

“Wow. What a show. I did not know the story beforehand. But was most enjoyable on wet & dreary Nov week. It cheered me up. A fabulous cast well done everyone. I Hope rest of the show is great.”

“Fabulous first night performance. Well done everyone.”

“I had a brilliant time! If you haven’t booked a ticket then please do you will have a lovely time.”

“A lovely way to spend a Wednesday evening. Well done to all involved, a great team effort.”

“FABULOUS! Bravo everyone! Watched yesterday and loved it. Can't wait till Saturday to watch it again! If you haven't already bought tickets, do it today, right this minute!”
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2019 PRODUCTION -
THE PRODUCERS

Tuesday 19 to Sunday 24 November 2019

'Springtime for Hitler' !


Our production in November 2019 was the madcap Mel Brook musical The Producers.

Based on the original 1967 film, with lyrics by Mel Brooks and music by Mel Brooks, arranged by Glen Kelly and Doug Besterman, the smash hit stage version of THE PRODUCERS won a whole collection of awards including a record-breaking 12 Tonys.

Here are a few audience comments:

What a stellar opening night by St. Augustine’s Musical theatre Company - they did Mel Brooks proud!” (The Core Theatre).

Well done St. Augustine’s Musical theatre Company, a really fantastic production that we enjoyed tremendously last night. Great staging, some really neat production touches, super singing and definitely some of the best individual performances we have seen on the Core's stage for a long time!

“Wow and wow! What a brilliant show tonight, well done.”

“Massive congratulations to STAGS on your performance of The Producers! It was brilliant, very funny and so enjoyable!”

“Just got in from watching The Producers at The Core Theatre Solihull . Absolutely amazing show.”

“Was an absolutely fab night - never laughed so much - me and my hubby thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to everyone.”

“OMG everybody!! Amazing show tonight. I laughed my head off!”
“Brilliant show, fabulous band."

Wonderful show. You were brilliant. Well done to all the cast.”

“Brilliant show, thoroughly enjoyed it.”

“The Producers at The Core Theatre is fantastic…. you are brilliant I am loving it.”


THE PRODUCERS was a first for St. Augustine's MTC - we hope you enjoyed the antics and fun!

See more information and photos on the The Producers production page.


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HAIRSPRAY

20 to 25 NOVEMBER 2018


Welcome to the 60s!

Our November 2018 production was the 60s extravaganza HAIRSPRAY.

Based on the original 1988 John Water's film, with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, the smash hit stage version of HAIRSPRAY won 8 Tony awards, including Best Musical, and is a show piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs..

Here are just a few of the audience comments received about HAIRSPRAY :

"Congratulations STAGS on a brilliant show!! What a flawless line up of principals...thoroughly enjoyed it."

“WOW What an awesome production of Hairspray! Incredibly talented cast! Didn’t want it to end! Huge congratulations to all the cast and crew!”

“What a fabulous performance last night and a much deserved standing ovation."

“FANTASTIC production of Hairspray and a thoroughly enjoyable evening at The Core Theatre tonight. Congratulationsto everyone involved - a show to be very, very proud of."

“What a performance!! Thanks to the whole cast for a fabulous evening. Very enjoyable. What are you doing next?”

“Wow! Slick, smooth, fantastically cast, awesome choreography, wicked vocals! Well done all in STAGS. A feel good fun and face beaming show. You should be super proud!"

“It was absolutely fabulous!!! Words can not describe it! Truly a wonderful night. You all did fantastically well."

See more information and photos on the Hairspray production page.


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FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

21 to 25 NOVEMBER 2017

Here is just a small selection of the fabulous audience comments received for Fiddler on the Roof. Thanks to everyone who came to see the show!


“Congratulations to everyone involved in Fiddler On The Roof this evening. It was a thoroughly enjoyable production that you should all be very proud of.”

“Saw opening night tonight - it was brilliant - huge cast, live band, a great job done by all..."

“Congratulations to the whole cast for a very polished performance! Excellent night out! Well done everyone.”
“Great show, well cast and good performances all round. Good show, funny and sad.”

“Loved it! Well done to all.”

See more information and photos on the Fiddler on the Roof production page.
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9 to 5
performed from Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 November 2016 at The Core Theatre, Solihull

Our colourful and vibrant production of 9 to 5, with a fabulous musical score by Dolly Parton, performed in Solihull from 15 to 19 November and the audiences loved it! Thanks to all who came along to see the show - we really appreciate your support. Here's a selection of audience comments:


“Huge congratulations to everyone involved with ‘9 to 5’ last night, was a brilliant opening night.”

“What a great show! Well done!!”

“What a great opening night. Lots of song, dance, music and so much laughter. Well done to all.”

“Well done all great show”

“Great show, enjoy the rest of the week!”

“Fabulous, funny and fantastic performances at tonight's ‘9 to 5 - The Musical’ at The Core in Solihull. Congratulations to the cast and orchestra.”

“Fab show! Loved it”

“Absolutely fantastic show. Well done to all cast and crew.. just brilliant. Xx
Good Luck for the rest of the week too..”

“Fantastic show, loved it !”

“Great show last night, well done to all cast and crew.”

“Loved it! So funny!!”

“Brilliant show, everyone, absolutely superb!!!!!”

“Another amazing show from you all, well done and keep up the great work”

“Well done to all involved in ‘9 to 5’ including the fantastic band - throughly enjoyed the matinee performance on Saturday. Thank you”

“A totally brilliant performance by everyone. Passionate & amusing. Congratulations to all involved. Highly recommended…..”

“Congratulations to all involved. A very professional show and enjoyable”

“Fabulous show last night - congratulations to the whole team. This must be the best am dram company around.”


Watch our trailer for the show below:

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2015 PRODUCTION - SISTER ACT

Our production for November 2015 was the brilliant new musical
SISTER ACT.

Based on the film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg, this was a premiere production for Solihull and the area.

“Awesome show! All of you .. Brilliant!”

“Well done!! Fantastic show.”

“WOW!!! simply... Just wow!!! You are all brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyed all of you and your performances tonight. Well done and enjoy the rest of the run.”

“We loved it.”

“Well done to the whole cast of Sister Act!!! The best show I have ever seen!! No wonder it's a sell out!”

“Fantastic show…Very entertaining & you should all be very proud of yourselves.”

See more information and photos on the 2015 - Sister Act production page.
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STEPPING OUT

Our June 2014 production of Stepping Out was a big hit with the audiences and has now won the NODA Best Drama Award 2014 (West Midlands Region 6) at the awards ceremony held on Sunday 19 April. Read more on the 2014 - Stepping Out production page, and see some rehearsal photos.

“What a great show. Well done everyone, a fab night of entertainment with lots of laughter.”

“Wow…..it was brilliant!! Please pass on my congratulations to ALL the cast.”

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KISS ME, KATE

'Another Op'nin, Another Show' - the performance week of Kiss Me, Kate ran from 18 to 22 November 2014 and was a big hit with the audiences! Here are a few comments:

“Brilliant show! Very professional, with strong characters and lots of humour. This was the first night so it'll probably get even better!”

“…you were fantastic... Great character work well done.”

“Top notch first night performance of Kiss Me, Kate at Solihull Arts Complex. Well done St Augustine's MTC.”

“Saw the opening night last night and it was absolutely fantastic. A must see!”

“Enjoying a night at the theatre watching ‘Kiss Me, Kate’….Great show!”

“Congratulations STAG, a really lively and funny show with the excellent standard of performance that you always give.”

“Great performances from cast & orchestra tonight of ‘Kiss Me, Kate. Thank you .”

“Congratulations on such an excellent performance tonight. It was a truly awesome production. The opening number of the second act took my breath away. Orchestration and vocals were excellent, choreography dynamic and all the cast were awesome.”


Ben Field played Fred Graham/Petruchio, Chloe Rawson played Lilli Vanessi/Katherine. Bill Calhoun/Lucentio was played by Gavin Whichello and Lois Lane/Bianca by Gemma Smyth.

More casting, show photos and information for this production can be found on the
2014 - Kiss Me, Kate production page.

NODA Long Service Awards

On Thursday 20 November 2014, several of our notable members were presented with long service awards from NODA representative Joyce Eyre. Congratulations go to former Chairmen Lawrence Conway (40 years) and Gill Nevin (15 years), current Chairman Sandra Simpson (15 years), Gill Salter (25 years) and Mark Hughes (20 years).
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NODA Representative Joyce Eyre, Lawrence Conway and Producer Veronica Walsh
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NODA Representative Joyce Eyre, Sandra Simpson and Producer Veronica Walsh
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NODA Representative Joyce Eyre, Mark Hughes and Producer Veronica Walsh
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NODA Representative Joyce Eyre, Gill Salter and Producer Veronica Walsh

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40th Anniversary Year!

St. Augustine's MTC celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2014. Alongside two exciting productions in June and November, we also held a grand Anniversary Ball on Saturday 18 October 2014.

The Anniversary Ball took place at the St. John's Hotel, Warwick Road, Solihull. This was a fabulous evening, with a 3 course dinner, a live band and two special guest performers to celebrate 40 wonderful years of St. Augustine's MTC. Many current and past members and friends of the Company attended.

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Our 2013 production of West Side Story won the Best Musical Award for West Midlands Region 6 at the NODA Awards Ceremony held on Sunday 6 April 2014 at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall!

A big thank you to all who were involved in this amazing production - cast, production team, committee, backstage team, orchestra - everyone that helped to make St. Augustine's MTC an award winning company once again
!

Pictured receiving the award are Liane Hughes (Choreographer) and Veronica Walsh (Producer/Director).

2013 Production - West Side Story
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Our production for November 2013 was the fantastic West Side Story.

Congratulations to all who were involved in West Side Story. An all-around great production which has been tremendously received with great feedback. Thanks to everyone who came to see it!

"A fantastic opening night to West Side Story...." "It was brilliant...." "....great show...." "Well done to the cast of West Side Story for an amazing opening night..." "...saw a stunning West Side Story last night...."

See more on the 2013 - West Side Story production page.
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St. Augustine's MTC's Producer, Veronica Walsh, has been given Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's prestigious Civic Honours Award for Creative Arts for 2013. The award was presented by the Mayor of Solihull. This recognises Veronica's hard work and dedication to theatre over the past thirty years, predominantly with St. Augustine's MTC, but also with others. Congratulations Veronica - we are all proud of your achievement!
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Meet The Production Team

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Meet The Committee

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