THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Tim Baker - writer
Writer Tim Baker grasps inspiration from real life, whether historical or the everyday. His short films take on surreal elements when famous figures have a date with Deedee, aka Death. His plays have concentrated on pub conversations, a duo discussing world issues at new levels, with comedy and pathos. MANBand the musical has developed the characters in the pub and built around them a story of friendship.
Pete and Jo Hanlon - Songwriters and Musicians
Long time composing duo Jo and Pete Hanlon take easy listening to the next level, with soaring vocals and poignant lyrics, they write songs not only for listening, but with tunes that stay with you and which really set the scene. Having performed professionally for 12 years touring the country supporting high profile bands and celebrities, it gave them a true insight into popular music and the people who listen. Following an 18 year break to raise a family they have returned to writing, with MANBand the musical being their second full length score.
Chrissie Purslow – choreographer
Chrissie has a degree in Dance from The University of Wolverhampton and has regularly performed and choreographed for local theatre companies across Shrewsbury. She is a teacher and choreographer for The Viv Kelly School of Dance and co-produces the children’s theatre group performances. Most recently she choreographed a regency dance for professional theatre company Hotbuckle. She has performed with many companies including Mad Cow Productions, Shropshire Drama Company and Ballet Russe. Chrissie has a wide experience of dance, ranging from maypole to tap and a brief performance of bangra on stage with Arlene Phillips. When not dancing, Chrissie is a primary school teacher. She is delighted to be joining the MANBand team and can’t wait to teach the band a jazz box!
Beverley Baker – director
Beverley has previously directed many productions, including Cole Porters Can Can, Neil Simon’s Barefoot in The Park, The Taming of The Shrew for the Wenlock Festival, Playhouse Creatures, and Brief Lives by Patrick Garland.
She was part of the creative team for Shropshire Youth Festival and Shrewsbury Heritage celebrations. Although she has been fortunate enough to play an assortment of characters on stage, including Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, Amanda in Noel Cowards Private Lives, She now prefers to channel all her experience into directing.
Chris Eldon Lee - Producer
Chris was a founder member of BBC Radio Shropshire. He won the BBC’s Frank Gillard Gold Award for producing the county’s oral history project The Century Speaks. He has performed 500 comedy gigs with Three Men In A Bowtie, recorded the oral history of 200 Antarctic explorers, and produced at least 250 programmes for BBC Radio 4. His 14 plays include Arthurs Plough, Dear Agnes, Silhouette, Ursula Queen Of The Jungle, Atlantic Ladies, Shrewsbury’s Finest Hour, JABS and, most recently, Swallows and Amazons’ Winter Holiday.
For further information please feel free to email us via admin@manbandthemusical.co.uk
We may be looking to tour the show and would welcome enquiries from potential venues.