Hiro Fam talks about the Career and Cultural Connections he shares with his Character, Ali in Come From Away

In the musical Come From Away, the character of Ali is a master chef for an international restaurant chain.

That’s something the actor who plays him in BATS’ forthcoming production, Hiro Fam, aspires to!

“I’m a chef and run my own catering business, and I’d love to have my own restaurant one day,” says Hiro.

Ali is a passenger on an aeroplane that’s diverted to the remote town of Gander, Newfoundland, following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Hiro acknowledges another connection between Ali and himself.

“Other passengers are suspicious of him because he’s Muslim,” says Hiro. “I’m originally from Malaysia, which is a Muslim country. So I understand how Ali felt on the plane.”

Come from Away goes on to show how the people of Gander embrace the newcomers, and the whole community rallies in the wake of the terrible circumstances that have brought them all together. Ali makes sure everyone is fed.

“It’s a really positive message of community spirit,” says Hiro. “It’s about welcoming people with an open heart and treating them with respect for who they are.”

“I was adopted by a Chinese family and grew up in a multi-cultural country, so I also know a lot about community spirit.”
After a couple of shows with Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society (BAOS), Come from Away is Hiro’s first time on stage with BATS. Appearing in musicals has been a long-cherished dream.

“For about 20 years, whenever I had a day off work, I’d go to London to watch a show! I’m a big fan! I always thought about how electrifying it would be to be on stage myself, and now I am! It gives me goosebumps and it feels like it’s where I belong!”

Appearing in Come From Away is an extra special experience, says Hiro.

“Every week in rehearsal you just fall in love more and more with the show and the characters. We’ve done a lot of research, we’re sharing everything we find out, and it’s very emotional!”

See Hiro in Come From Away from 19-22 November 2025. Evening performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. View show information and book tickets.

Bradleigh and Chloe are Rocking the 1980s Bangers

They’re the young couple at the heart of the jukebox musical Rock of Ages, with a string of ‘80s bangers forming the soundtrack to their on-off relationship!

Bradleigh plays Drew

Chloe plays Sherrie

Sherrie Christian is the new girl in Hollywood, an aspiring actress who’s taken under the wing of LA wannabe rock star Drew Boley.

In real life the roles are reversed. Chloe Ballard - who plays Sherrie in the upcoming BATS production - has been a member of the Society for ten years. For Bradleigh Hall, who plays Drew, it’s his first show with BATS.

“I came into the show quite late as I had the lurgy at the first audition, but Chloe’s really made me feel welcome,” says Bradleigh. “She’s amazing - she’s got a brilliant voice.”

Bradleigh studied performing arts at the University of Chichester and now works by day as a laboratory technician.

“At 5pm though the white lab coat comes off and the ‘80s wig goes on!” he laughs.

“Bradleigh is such a lovely addition to the BATS family” says Chloe. “He’s enthusiastic, so willing to learn and just soaks everything up. I’m learning stuff from him too - he’s got some great suggestions for our scenes.”

They’ve even got over the potential embarrassment of their characters sharing a passionate kiss.

“We did it for the first time the other day,” laughs Chloe. “It was a bit scary for both of us - but the rehearsal room is a safe space so we’re over that now!”

Bradleigh and Chloe deliver some powerhouse vocals in Rock of Ages, on hits such as Waiting for a Girl Like You, Harden My Heart and More Than Words.  

“Rehearsing this show, my voice has changed and improved,” says Bradleigh, who’s previously appeared in shows with Andover Musical Theatre Company.

“Before, it was more suited to traditional musicals with big operatic melodies, but now I’m learning new techniques to get that rock sound.”

“They’re big songs to sink your teeth into,” says Chloe. “I grew up listening to them as my Mum and Dad played them. They’re fun and upbeat but also have so much emotional depth. And it feels amazing when you smash those high notes!”

See Chloe and Bradleigh smashing it in Rock of Ages from 13-17 May 2025. Evening performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Suitable for ages 14 and over.  View show information and book tickets.

Director, Carly Thompson Makes her BATS Christmas Debut

It's been Christmas since July, as we’ve been busy rehearsing Nativity! the Musical, coming to the Haymarket in November, under the guidance of a brand new director, Carly Thompson.

"I love Christmas, and I love working with children, so this is the perfect show for me!" says Carly.

Based on the hit film, Nativity! follows the pupils and teachers at St. Bernadette’s Primary School as they stage their very own musical Nativity, with plenty of hilarity along the way.

Director, Carly Thomson makes her BATS debut with Nativity! The Musical

"It's a beautiful story - wondrous, heartfelt and moving, with fantastic singing and dancing. Every night you'll see our cast of 20 children and 18 adults all fully embracing the festive spirit."

Carly comes to BATS with extensive experience of performing and directing at Oxted in Surrey. Not long after moving to Newbury to 2018, a tumour was found in Carly's spine.

"It was removed safely but there was still a risk of paralysis," she says. "So it took me a couple of years to get involved in theatre again. Then I saw the ad looking for a director for Nativity, and here I am!"

"BATS is a lovely welcoming group, and there's so much talent in the company, it was very hard to choose at the auditions. But now we're well into rehearsals and they're full of laughter, fun and hard work of course!"

The presence of 40 children in the rehearsal room (forming two alternate casts of 20) brings a real energy to proceedings.

"To have the energy and wonder from the kids is a real boost to the adult cast who might arrive stressed from work," laughs Carly, "and of course the discipline of the adults can help manage the exuberance of the small people!"

"It's going to be an experience they'll always remember."

Nativity! the Musical runs at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from 26th-30th November 2024. View show information and book tickets.

Adrien Embraces his Crazy and Childish Side as Mr. Poppy

"He's wild, childish and fabulous!"

Adrien Nortier is talking about Mr. Poppy, the teaching assistant he plays in Nativity! The Musical. If you've seen the film you'll know he's one of the most memorable characters in the feelgood family comedy.

"The way he sees the world through the eyes of a child is so refreshing." says Adrien. "Everything makes sense in his head but it can come across as complete nonsense!"

Adrien as Mr Poppy - Performing at the Basingstoke Variety Show, 6 October 2024

Mr. Poppy is Adrien's first main leading role for BATS. He joined the Society 15 years ago after growing up in France. That meant he wasn't familiar with some of the cultural references in Nativity! The Musical. Such as?

"I had to ask who Keith Chegwin was, he wasn't part of my upbringing!"

The kids of St Bernadette's school love Mr. Poppy's unusual ways. But they infuriate grumpy teacher Mr. Maddens, who's been tasked with staging the school's first ever musical nativity.

"Mr. Poppy is the nephew of the headteacher and he's sort of thrown at Mr. Maddens, who feels like he's got another child to look after. But then they become friends and Mr. Poppy makes him realise he can open his heart and have faith in the children."

The perfect message for Christmas then! But what's it been like rehearsing a Christmas show in the height of summer? "A bit surreal, even disturbing at times," laughs Adrien, "But now the nights have drawn in and it's feeling colder, it's a lot easier to conjure up the festive spirit!"

Two teams of twenty children play the loveable pupils of St Bernadette's. "Working with the kids is so much fun. It's lovely watching them do what they do. They're oblivious to how good they actually are. They just make me want to work really hard so I don't let them down."

So - the big question - is Adrien anything like Mr. Poppy? "No! I think I'm quite collected and grown up, not crazy at all! Mr. Poppy is ‘up’ all the time - there's no ‘down’ button! But I'm really enjoying playing this part that is the complete opposite to me!"

Join Adrien and the cast of Nativity! The Musical at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from 26-30 November 2024. View show information and book tickets.

Angus is Back with his Signature Pizzazz!

Flashback to March 2020. Angus Jacobs is bringing the sass to BATS as he choreographs the six “merry murderesses” of the Cook County Jail in the show-stopping Cell Block Tango - just one of the numbers in the sizzling musical Chicago which is due to be performed at the Haymarket in a few weeks’ time.

“He had it coming,” is their repeated refrain, as each think their crime was justified.

Then - lockdown happens.
Suddenly we’re all in confinement.
The show has to be scrapped - the number is never seen.
Until now.

April 2024 - and Angus is back in the rehearsal room, revisiting the delectably devilish song, for the upcoming BATS revue, On With the Show.

Angus Jacobs

“It was definitely unfinished business,” says Angus. “It was obviously a real shame what happened four years ago, but it’s good to be back! BATS is a great society with lots of talent, so when I was asked if I’d like to finally bring Cell Block Tango to the stage, I said I’d love to!”

Angus is also staging a song from another hugely popular show, the anthem Somebody to Love from the Queen musical, We Will Rock You.

“When I’m approached by a theatre company about directing and choreographing, it’s got to be something I feel I can add my personality to,” says Angus. “I like shows with LGBTQ+ elements to them, such as Victor Victoria, Soho Cinders and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, which I staged at the Bridewell Theatre in London. Shows that I can be creative with, that have something different about them.”

After working as part of a team of creatives on the BATS revue, which brings a huge range of West End and Broadway showstoppers to the Haymarket stage this May, Angus will make a full-blooded return to BATS when he takes the helm of the ‘80’s musical Rock of Ages in Spring 2025.

“The show is absolutely bonkers and very funny,” laughs Angus. “It’s got big hair, air guitars, wind machines, pyrotechnics and amazing songs like The Final Countdown and We Built This City. I grew up in the ‘80’s - that was my time - and it’s got my name written all over it!”

That’s something to savour in the future. For now, Angus is happy getting the chance to delve into the past and finally bring Chicago’s Cell Block Tango to the stage with all his signature pizzazz!

On With The Show runs at the Haymarket, Basingstoke on Friday 17 May at 7.30pm and Saturday 18 May at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. View show information and book tickets.