Friary Guildford Band will provide the live music for The Pranksters Theatre Company’s production of Brassed Off, adapted for the stage by Paul Allen from the multi award-winning film of the same name. The show, being staged at Guildford’s Electric Theatre, will run from 1st to 4th May 2013. The production brings together a cast of twenty-five actors and band members from two Guildford born community groups, The Pranksters Theatre Company (performing since 1977) and The Friary Guildford Brass Band. The two groups have been busy rehearsing together since January, trading tips and learning each other’s art to bring this magnificent play to the stage in May. And with perfect timing, Friary Guildford will be making their own trip to the National Finals at The Royal Albert Hall in October. Brassed Off is a truly heart-warming story of real people in recent history. With some of the most iconic and rousing brass tunes played live throughout the performance every night, this promises to be a unique and highly entertaining experience for theatre-goers and brass music lovers alike. Director and Pranksters’ Chairperson Marie Gardner said: It was just over a year ago, that the idea of bringing Brassed Off to Guildford popped in to my head. However, my thoughts at the time were .... Where do I start? Is this possible? With multiple locations, how could we make this work at The Electric Theatre? Fortunately, our back stage crew said “No problem.” But to pull this off, I also needed a brass band to play live and perform alongside the cast throughout the show. One e-mail enquiry later with an immediate reply from a very excited Lauren Cave (Friary Guildford Band Secretary) and we were off!’ Lauren Cave picks up the story: ‘I certainly was excited when I received Marie’s enquiry. Over the past few years the Band has played at Wembley Stadium, Twickenham, Ascot and Sandown Races, as well as more traditional venues for concerts and contests, but to take part in a stage production was something totally new for us. It’s been a fantastic experience to work with Marie and the Pranksters Theatre Company. And it’ll be a great way to prepare for Friary’s own trip to play in the National Finals at The Royal Albert Hall in October, too!’ Tickets are £12.50 full or £10:50 concessions and are available from The Electric Theatre box office on 01483 444789 or online at www.guildford.gov.uk/electrictheatre Age recommendation 14+
