The ever-popular Hillingdon Musical Society, which has been performing amateur musicals for the past 60 years, is gearing up for its latest musical treat.
The Hired Man is a musical drama by Howard Goodall, based on the novel by Melvynn Bragg.
It tells the story of a family in Cumbria at the beginning of the 20th century, and focuses on the father, named John, and his attempts to gain farm work as a hired man.
During the show we meet his two brothers, Seth and Isaac.
Seth is a coal miner whereas Isaac gets his money where he can, but mainly through gambling and various schemes.
John’s young wife Emily soon joins him when he has found work and they settle down to raise a family of their own with all the challenges and joys that brings.
As the years pass, the shadow of the First World War descends on their lives with tragic consequences.
With music by Howard Goodall, the show is described as “an emotional and passionate journey that appeals to all ages”.
Director Liam Tebbit said: “We are feeling very positive after our rehearsals and we are fortunate to have the cast we have.
“Everyone seems to have taken it on board as it is a bit of a departure from what we normally do.
“We are most definitely looking forward to performing, it’s my debut as a director for a musical as I’ve only directed straight drama before.”
The Hired Man is being performed at the Compass Theatre in Ickenham from September 30 until October 3.
You can order tickets by phone by calling the Compass Theatre Box Office on 01895 847457 or by emailing your ticket request to ray.wadham@tesco.net.
Tickets cost £15 full price and £13 for concessions.
In addition to The Hired Man, the younger members of Hillingdon Musical Society will be performing their version of Les Miserables, at Iver Village Hall from August 26-29.
