Wellington Operatic Society, part of Wellington Arts Association, is preparing to cast Our House - The Madness Musical, which it will be staging next spring at the Wellesley Theatre.

The show has something for everyone, from big principal characters to smaller cameo roles, chorus and off-stage singers – for anyone who loves singing but does not like being in the limelight. The casting will be open to everyone aged 14-plus.

Our House is a London love story set in Camden Town. It tells the story of Joe Casey, who on the night of his 16th birthday takes his girlfriend, Sarah, out on their first date. In his enthusiasm to impress her, he breaks into a housing development to show her the view overlooking his family home on Casey Street. The police interrupt their date and Joe is forced to make a decision – stay and turn himself in or make a run for it. Joe’s life is then split in two and the audience follows the fortunes and misfortunes of both possibilities.

The story is told through the writing of Tim Firth, who adapted ‘Calendar Girls’ for stage and screen, and many iconic hits from the band Madness including It Must Be Love, House of Fun, Baggy Trousers and Our House!

The show will be staged at the Wellesley Theatre from April 27-30, 2022 – Rob Spurway is director, Beth Swan choreographer and Joe Beckhelling musical director.

Casting events are being held at the arts centre in Eight Acre Lane beginning with launch night on Monday, November 22, an informal evening where participants will hear the director’s artistic vision and the musical director will play songs from the show. The choreographer will be on hand to chat about her dances and the bar will be open.

Two workshops are being run – on Monday, November 29, and Thursday, December 2 – which will involve a run-through of the audition songs and characterisations. Beth will also teach the dances participants need to know for the auditions. Participants do not have to attend both workshops but if they want to, they are welcome to do so. Anyone who wants to be in the chorus must attend at least one of the workshops.

The auditions are on Sunday, December 12. For more information contact production co-ordinator Caz Redstone via email at [email protected]