BATS President, Jim Welling Dies Aged 70

It is with much sadness that we announce that our President, Jim Welling passed away in Basingstoke hospital on the evening of Friday 8 January 2021. Jim, aged 70 was a popular local business owner and theatre performer.

Jim Welling

Jim was the proprietor of Edward James Cutting Rooms hair salon at the Top of Town for 45 years, and was involved with BATS for more than 50. He was the life and soul of the Society from the mid-seventies to the early 2000's and will be remembered for his many outings as panto dame as well as his performances in some of the most iconic roles in musical theatre, including Fagin in Oliver! and Professor Higgins in My Fair Lady.

Jim was also the current President of BATS and behind the scenes, served on the Committee for many years and helped set up the original iteration of BATS’ junior company, Next Gen. He was a mentor to many young performers. He was also a talented wig designer, whose creations graced the stage both locally and around the UK.

Jim as Fagin in Oliver!, May 2004. He previously played the role in 1993

Jim as Professor Higgins, November 2009

Jim was born Edward James Welling. He was the youngest of four children, born to Vera and Jack Welling, a former Mayor of Basingstoke. He grew up in Hannington and attended Hilsea College. Jim became an apprentice hairdresser at the age of 17 and set up his own salon in Winchester Street in 1975. He gave generations of young stylists their first opportunity in the industry.

Jim loved to travel and made friends all over the world, especially in California, while back home he was always the life and soul of any party and a hugely generous and supportive friend to many.

Jim was admitted to hospital before Christmas after sustaining a back injury in a fall at home. Whilst in hospital he contracted COVID and sadly succumbed to the dreadful virus. He died just three days after his oldest brother Robert.

He will be hugely missed by his family, former clients, wide circle of friends, and of course his BATS family.

Rest in Peace, Jim.

We perform “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen in aid of Spotlight UK

**Updated - 8 February 2021. Thanks for helping us raise £677. A fantastic result!**

We’ve really missed performing this year, hopefully as much as you have missed coming to see us in action! Before the year comes to an end, we got together virtually to record “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen, by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

We felt the lyrics really captured the mood of the unprecedented challenges faced by many worldwide this year. Certainly, getting back together to rehearse gave our mental health a much needed boost!

Help us raise funds for local charity Spotlight UK
This virtual performance is helping to raise funds for Spotlight UK - a Basingstoke and Berkshire-based charity that helps vulnerable and disadvantaged people to improve their quality of life and future. A message at the end of the video explains a little more about their valuable work.

Any amount you can spare, large or small, will be greatly appreciated!
DONATE ONLINE

Watch the video!
Click the image below to watch the video on our YouTube channel.

A massive THANK YOU to RHJ Entertainment who musically directed, mixed and produced our video.

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Production of Chicago cancelled

Owing to circumstances beyond our control, we regretfully announce that we have been forced to cancel our production of Chicago that we had re-scheduled to November 2020.

We had intended to return to rehearsals in September, but maintaining current social distancing guidelines meant that the cast could neither safely nor practically return to rehearsing for this show, which demands high levels of close proximity and interaction. Furthermore, restrictions remain in place for live musical theatre performances and no further updates are expected from Government around amateur performances before November. These ongoing restrictions are circumstances beyond our control and we have been forced to cancel our production of Chicago.

What happens if I booked tickets?

Anvil Arts will contact all individuals who purchased tickets. They will advise you on the refund procedure or alternatively, you can choose to donate the value of your ticket to Anvil Arts. If you would like to make a donation to BATS, you can do securely by credit or debit card on our website.

We know that the vast majority transferred your ticket to November and we’d like to thank you for your support during these unprecedented times. We hope that you continue to keep well and we very hope that we’ll be able to see you in May 2021 for Shrek.

Chicago Postponed due to COVID-19 Outbreak

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Anvil Arts announced today that the Haymarket has closed with immediate effect.  We are therefore sorry to announce the *POSTPONEMENT* of our production of Chicago in May, but everyone’s safety and health must take priority.

It is our intention to stage Chicago later in the year, if possible.  We are currently working with the rights holder and the theatre to negotiate alternative performance dates for a time when life resumes some kind of normality.

Given that we are not yet able to confirm these dates, Anvil Arts will be contacting all patrons to arrange ticket refunds.  Please do not contact the box office – they will contact you (See their full statement below).

We will keep you updated once we know more.  We hope it won’t be too long before you can join us for a bit of fabulous Razzle Dazzle!

In the meantime, take care of yourselves and we hope to see you again soon.

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Full Anvil Arts statement
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Following the government’s announcement yesterday, both The Anvil and The Haymarket will be closed to the public until further notice and scheduled performances will not take place.

We will be contacting all ticket holders in date order of performance as quickly as possible. Please refrain from contacting the box office regarding ticket refunds, we will contact you.

As a charity, we will be working hard to deal with the financial implications of this period of closure. Please consider donating the cost of your ticket to The Anvil Trust rather than requesting a credit note or refund.

We will keep the web site updated with further information.

Thank you for your understanding in this unprecedented situation.

9 to 5 the Musical Review, November 2019 - NODA

9 to 5, music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, book by Patricia Resnick tells the story what happens when the tables are turned on a sexist, egotistical, hypocritical boss (who’s also a bigot) as three female office workers who are underpaid and undervalued, unite to get revenge. It’s full, friendship, love and bubbling performances, fantastic songs and sparkling performances. From the first few bars of the familiar opening song – 9 to 5 of the title – we know we’re in for an evening of high energy entertainment.

The production: The period feel of a 1980s office was beautifully recreated throughout the evening. There were some lovely performances – particularly from the three women battling to come out on top: Nicola Morrin (as Violet), Millie Clucas (Doralee), Laura Burrell as Judy and Stephen Westwood as Hart, their boss. Sally Manning as devoted secretary and office spy, Roz almost stole the show. The entire cast performed with supreme confidence and professionalism. The choreography by Nick Brannam who also directed, was imaginative and well executed. The songs were performed with warmth, precision and joyful emotion. Although the subject of the show had serious undertones, there was a feel-good approach to it and it was delivered with first class performances, enthusiasm and panache we have come to expect from BATS’ productions.

Millie Clucas as Doralee and Stephen Westwood as Franklin Hart Jr.

Costumes: The costumes were in keeping with period and narrative. There was great attention to detail and the dream sequence outfits were custom-made and of the highest quality. The hair styles complemented the 80s outfits.

Lighting and sound: The lighting was good although I struggle to understand why, on occasion, there was a smoky effect. The sound was generally good but once or twice dipped and made it difficult to understand some characters, especially when dialogue delivery was fast and heavily accented.

Scenery: The stage design was well conceived and of high quality. The backdrops largely pastel in colour and 80s style were very effective as was Hart’s office and the typing pool was realistically recreated. The Xerox machine and car – used for Hart’s kidnap – deserves special mention.

Chris Horton
National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) South East Region, District 14 Representative