The Nomad Theatre is proud to present The Likes of Us by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. This was the first musical written by the authors of Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. And it is a bright, bouncy and exhilarating musical.
Set in London in 1866 it tells the story of a young medical student, Thomas Barnado and his struggle to provide a safe haven for destitute children. During his lifetime the Dr Barnado’s organisation went on to help some 60,000 children and of course the work continues today.
The story is told in fully staged musical numbers with a linking narration much like the other early musicals. The show is full of wonderful, soaring melodies that will etch their way into your brain and give a fore-taste of how the two young writers would mature
The actor playing Dr Barnado, Emile Maurice-Toussaint is himself a product of Barnado’s. He was taken into care at 11 days old and after foster care broke down he entered a large Home in Kent. He stayed there until 16 when he moved into a bedsit in London to find work and a place at college. Emile says life in a Home in the 70s was strict but they provided the basics for the children there. Today Barnado’s provide mostly outreach work with vulnerable children.
The show presents huge challenges as the musical numbers are fully staged but there is no book, ie the dialogue between the songs, hence the use of a Narrator. The Nomads have a cast of over 50 including a large contingent of children, a large orchestra and a superb production and technical team. There will be many magic moments, not least of all the transformation from the park and bandstand to the rooftops of London; well worth the ticket price alone. This is a feel good musical that will banish the post Christmas January blues with something for all the family. Royalties from each performance will go to Dr Barnado’s.
Our poster was designed by Charles Hope and the photograph was taken by David Martin, both Nomad members. The poster shows a young cast member, Jordan Farrell standing in front of the side window of ‘The Pink Footed Goose’ a local delicatessen a few minutes from the theatre.
The Likes of Us will run from Thursday 13th January to Sunday 23rd January. Evening performances are at 7.30 and matinees at 2.30 on each Saturday and Sunday. There are no evening performances on Sunday or Monday.
Tickets are £13 for adults and £10 for children with a special price of £9 on Thursday 13th and Tuesday 18th. Phone the box office on 01483 284747 and leave a message on the answering machine or book online The theatre is fully accessible to all.