BATS is gearing up to take the Haymarket Theatre stage once more in their next show. Except this one is not like the others. The thing about amateur dramatic companies is that they are limited on the shows for a plethora of reasons. However, there is a way around that…who says they need to put on one show in full? Why have one show when you can have many? With that, Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society brings you: On With The Show – A Musical Theatre Roulette!

If you’re unsure what a Musical Theatre Roulette (aka a revue) is, it is a bit of everything. BATS have taken songs from numerous shows and are performing them back to back, and there is something here for everyone. From the golden age musicals to the contemporary musicals recently hitting the theatre scene, to Disney numbers that get everyone smiling. This is a show for everyone. You don’t like musicals? This gives a glimpse into many, who knows, you may be converted! You want upbeat dance numbers? Love ballads? Numbers that tell stories all on their own? On With The Show has it all! From jazz hands to tap dancing and everything in between, On With The Show may not be one full story, but it is still one gloriously fun jam-packed show with all the excitement that brings.

Not only does a showcase such as this give audiences the chance to see songs from shows they may otherwise never go and see, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to give a whole cast a time to shine too. Yes, in every show, every person is integral no matter how big or small the role, but there is always going to be leads and ensembles. With On With The Show, BATS have given everyone a chance to show off what they can do. This is very much an ensemble show, a team effort in every sense of the word. I have been going along to BATS rehearsals for a while now, and it is so heartwarming to see every single person have their moment to shine, and shine everyone does! From the beautiful harmonies to the choreography that is so neat and precise to the emotion poured into every song, every member of this company has put in tremendous hard work which more than pays off, and is palpable from start to finish.

The thing about going to see a rehearsal is that it’s exactly that; a rehearsal. Not yet finished. Despite this, it doesn’t seem the company have got far to go! The numbers are polished, the costumes are coming together (the sneak peeks I got are ready to wow!), and the energy is electric. There’s something so heartwarming about a rehearsal period I feel; seeing someone perform centre of the room whilst to the side someone else is running their lines and choreography to themselves before taking their turn, everyone rooting for each other and the real team effort to work together and put on something special to lighten audiences hearts for a few hours.

The BATS cast are a fantastically talented bunch and the versatility of their performances demonstrate this. No matter what material is presented to them, they have the determination, the passion and the heart to bring every story and song brilliantly to life. The energy is maintained from the first to last number (I was out of breath just watching them!) so whilst it’s not one full musical, it absolutely is one full-on jam-packed show.

BATS never fail to do themselves proud and this seems to be no exception to that rule. When everything comes together combined with the full costumes, props, lighting, sound and the all-important audiences bringing the applause, On With The Show promises to be a joyous celebration of both talent and theatre for everyone. With the broad contrasting range of songs and shows being performed, I dare even the reluctant theatregoers to watch the show without their feet tapping, or to leave the theatre without a smile on their face.

And if you want to know what songs or shows you can expect…well you’ll just have to go and see for yourself to find out! One thing is for sure, you can’t really go wrong here; why go for just one show when you can have a bit of them all?

BATS’ On With The Show runs for two days only, 17th and 18th May at Basingstoke’s Haymarket Theatre.

Leyla Demirel
One Show at a Time