Words by Ed King / Rehearsal pics by Mark Senior
Erdington locals can get their hands on heavily discounted tickets to the UK première run of the musical Becoming Nancy – which comes to the Birmingham Rep theatre from 3 October until 2 November.
With standard tickets costing up to over £50 including booking fee, Erdington residents can pick up a special ticket for only £10 for evening performances on 9, 10, and 11 October – alongside an afternoon matinee on 10 October.
A maximum of four tickets can be purchased per household and buyers will need a valid Erdington postcode whilst booking – simply click here to contact the Birmingham Rep Box Office and use the promotional code: ERDINGTON.
Based on the debut novel by composer Terry Ronald, released in 2011, Becoming Nancy tells the story of talented student David Starr (Joseph Peacock) who auditions for the school performance of Oliver! – the musical adaption of the Dickins classic Oliver Twist.
Hoping to be cast as Fagin, the show’s lovable rogue and male lead, David’s impressive vocal range and pop star pretentions win over the school production’s director who instead casts him as Nancy – the most prominent female lead.
The unconventional casting grabs the attention of everyone in town and at school, with divided opinion about whether he should take the role – as David finds solace in his no-nonsense friend Frances (Paige Peddie) and surprising co-star and school football team captain Maxie (Joseph Vella).
The story follows the characters as they navigate a difficult coming of age journey, challenged by small town fervour and the battle between who they want to be and who their friends and family think they should be.
Becoming Nancy was adapted for the stage by Elliot Davis, with music by George Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe. Additional songs were also penned by the author of the original book, Terry Ronald, and Elliot Davis.
Taking to the stage for the first time in 2019, Becoming Nancy has its world première at the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia – directed and choreographed on its first run by Jerry Mitchell.
Known for his extensive work in musical theatre – which credits productions including Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots, The Devil Wears Prada, Hairspray, Pretty Woman: The Musical – Jerry Mitchell is back as both director and choreographer for the UK première run of Becoming Nancy.
In an interview made as part of the promotion for the UK run, Mitchell told: “It’s an amazing experience to discover a hit musical before it becomes a hit on the West End or Broadway – and I think Becoming Nancy has that potential.”
Becoming Nancy / Interview with Jerry Mitchell, director and choreographer
Becoming Nancy makes its UK première at the Birmingham REP theatre, running from 3 October and run until 2 November – with discounted tickets for Erdington locals available on 9, 10, and 11 October.
For more information direct from the theatre, with links online ticket sales, visit www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/becoming-nancy
For more on Becoming Nancy the musical visit www.becomingnancymusical.com