A History of BUSMS Productions

 

Beauty and the Beast 

6th, 7th, 8th & 9th March 2024

Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's classic, Disney's Beauty and the Beast! The story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

   

Overture: A Journey Through Time

23th, 24th & 25th November 2023

BUSMS presents Overture: A Journey Through Time! A musical revue show where we will take you through the middle ages all the way to the modern day. With amazing songs from Little Women, Chicago, Back to the Future, and many more, it won't be one to miss!

   

9 to 5: The Musical 

12th, 13th & 14th October 2023

9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s. this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains "otherwise engaged," the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can't she?

   

BONNIE & CLYDE

10th & 11th June 2023

At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went from two small-town nobodies in West Texas to America's most renowned folk heroes and the Texas law enforcement's worst nightmares. Fearless, shameless, and alluring, the Tony-nominated Bonnie & Clyde from the legendary Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll And Hyde, Civil War, Dracula) is the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire country.

 

 

ENCORE

4th, 5th & 6th May 2023

BUSMS presents Encore! A musical revue featuring songs from High School Musical, Heathers, Dear Evan Hansen, Frozen 2 and so much more. Join us for a fun filled evening of jazz hands and tear-jerkers, pop-star queens and reindeer, it won't be one to miss!

 

 

GREASE

8th, 9th, 10th & 11th March 2023

Bath University Student Musicals Society presents GREASE. Since its electric Broadway and West End debut in the early 1970’s, GREASE has remained one of the world’s most popular and enduring musicals. Funny, frank and featuring the hit songs “Greased Lightnin’,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” “You’re The One That I Want,” and “Summer Nights,” GREASE follows the journey of Danny and Sandy, alongside the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies, as they navigate high school to the unforgettable rock n’ roll soundtrack that defined generations.

   

OVERTURE: BOPS & FLOPS

24th, 25th & 26th November 2022

BUSMS presents Overture: Bops & Flops! Welcoming in the new BUSMS year, this show will take you on a journey through some of the most famous musicals on Broadway and the West End alongside some of the lesser-known ones! Featuring songs from Les Misérables, High School Musical, The Book of Mormon and Mamma Mia, this show is sure to be a smash hit!

 

CARRIE: THE MUSICAL

13th, 14th & 15th October 2022

Bath University Student Musicals Society presents Carrie: The Musical. In this revamped, contemporary version of the famous (and infamous) 1988 production based on Stephen King's best selling novel, Carrie: The Musical follows a young woman with telekinetic powers. An outcast at school, where she is bullied viciously for her differences, Carrie is also lost at home, with a fervently religious mother whose love traps her in its maw. When PE teacher Miss Gardner, kind classmate Sue Snell, and boyfriend Tommy Ross reach out to try and help Carrie, it seems that for once, Carrie might have a shot at being accepted. But Chris Hargensen, the class’s most vicious bully, has other ideas. Pushed to the brink, Carrie’s powers threaten to overwhelm her, and devour everyone around her in flame.

   

DOGFIGHT

11th & 12th June 2022

It's November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young marines set out for one final boys' night of debauchery, partying, and maybe a little trouble. 

But, when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress whom he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion.

   

ENCORE

7th, 8th & 9th April 2022

In BUSMS' final revue show of the year, Encore is filled with numbers from some of the greatest musicals, including  Heathers, Come From Away, Hairspray and Les Mis!

   
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THE WEDDING SINGER

9th, 10th, 11th & 12th March 2022

It's 1985 and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey's favourite wedding singer. He's the life of the party, until his own fiance leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own.

Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Streeet shark, and unless Robbie can pull off te performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

   

OVERTURE: THE REVOLUTION

25th, 26th & 27th November 2022

Welcome to BUSMS’ first revue show of the year! Following the theme of Revolution, the numbers in this show will have you stomping in revolt and ripping up newspapers.

In our first full show back in The Edge after COVID, we can't wait to see you all again!

   

COMPANY

14th, 15th & 16th October 2022

On the night of his 35th birthday, Robert struggles to think of a wish to make as he blows out his birthday candles. The lone bachelor, surrounded by "those good and crazy people" - his married friends - Robert is uncertain whether he should wish for his own romantic partner.

Over a series of dinner parties, first dates and thoughtful conversations, Robert attempts to understand the pros and cons of marriage from his diverse and frequently hilarious friends, and begins to make sense of his own persistent bachelorhood.

Company, Stephen Sondheim's groundbreaking modern musical, is a mature, intelligent, and wildly funny look at relationships, vulnerability, and "being alive".

   

THE BALLAD OF ME & MY FRIENDS 

11th, 12th & 13th June 2021

As our first and only fully fledged musical of the year BUSMS are honoured to present to you the student written “The Ballad of Me and My Friends” by Alex Stokoe, a jukebox musical using the songs of Frank Turner to tell the intertwining stories of a gaggle of musicians, artists and other failed 21st century bohemians trying to make it in the world. A tale of friendship, strength and dreams, this fable of millennial living will teach you to do what you love doing and not to take life too seriously because you’ll get there in the end, a message we could all take heed of as we get back out into this weird, wonderful world we live in.

   

ENCORE 

March/April 2021

BUSMS are back with our third (and hopefully final) virtual show! In traditional COVID fashion, our final revue show of the year was rehearsed and recorded during lockdown. The 9 musical numbers were directed via zoom and edited together by the wonderful backstage.

Check it out HERE.

   

OVERTURE: AGAINST THE ODDS

November 2020

BUSMS brings you Overture: Against The Odds (our very first online show!) in which we put a COVID19 twist to our traditional November Show! With the help of the wonderful backstage, cast & crew we perform 8 numbers for a variety of musicals.

Check it out HERE.

   

BUSMS OCTOBER SHOWCASE

31st October 2020

Showing that even a global pandemic can't stop us, BUSMS performs October Showcase - the socially distanced show to display the wealth of BUSMS talent whilst following COVID19 guidance.

   

FOOTLOOSE

4th, 5th, 6th & 7th March 2020

In Bomont, dancing is against the law, and somebody's eyes are always watching you. When Ren has to leave the bustle of Chicago for a backwater town, he finds his own identity under threat by the local church. Reverend Moore rules the town with an iron fist to make sure the events of the infamous Potawney Bridge Accident never happen again. Still, the reverend never expected his real challenge to be keeping his own daughter in check. When she meets the outsider with big ideas and a bigger attitude problem, it's going to change the lives of everyone in town forever. So take a hold of your soul and dive into an evening of laughs, romance and some of the punchiest numbers of the '80s.

   

HEROES & VILLIANS

28th, 29th & 30th November 2019

Welcome one and all to BUSMS’ first revue show of the year! Featuring the new theme “Heroes and Villains”, every number is sure to be a cracking good time, whether you wish Darth Vader had defeated the rebels or are glad Harry triumphed over Voldemort! Featuring music from Chicago, Les Miserables and Tangled amongst many more, it’s not to be missed!

   

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

17th, 18th & 19th October 2019

Most families have their quirks, but none more so than the Addams family. For them, to be sad is to be happy, to feel pain is to feel joy and suffering is the stuff of dreams. However, Gomez Addams must still face every father’s worst nightmare turned to reality: his daughter Wednesday – the ultimate princess of darkness – has fallen in love and gotten engaged! And to make matters worse? Her fiancé is completely and utterly normal. Both families are to meet each other for the first time for dinner and yet only Gomez knows the explosive secret. Join the quirky family as they struggle with the concept of having ‘one normal night’ and Gomez attempting to keep his daughter’s secret from his beloved wife Morticia. What could possibly go wrong?

   

TITLE OF SHOW

8th & 9th June 2019

Jeff and Hunter, two self-confessed nobodies in New York, make a pact: They will write an original musical and submit it to a festival. The only catch? The deadline is in three weeks! They gather their two actress friends, Susan and Heidi, and their accompanist and music director, Larry, on the keys. With the full team assembled, Jeff and Hunter hit another roadblock-- what should they write about? Jeff and Hunter decide to follow the old adage, “write what you know,” and set off on a unique musical adventure: writing a musical about writing a musical. As the deadline looms, insecurities creep in and jealousies flare. Will the team succeed with their musical? Could it even win a Tony?! 

   

ORDINARY DAYS

8th & 9th June 2019

Ordinary Days is the captivating story of what happens when frazzled and uptight graduate student Deb loses the notebook that contains all of her notes for her thesis somewhere on the streets of New York. Little does she know that Warren, the struggling artist and professional cat sitter who finds and returns the notebook to her, will have such a profound effect on her life. And meanwhile, their actions affect Jason and Claire, a couple inching toward marriage who ultimately can’t seem to completely figure each other out because of an unspeakable tragedy from years ago.

   

ENCORE

5th & 6th April 2019

BUSMS is proud to present Encore, our annual revue show, featuring songs from all of your favourite musicals - old and new! This year, highlights include a spine-tingling hit from Hamilton as well as Disney classics like Beauty & the Beast, Mulan, Hercules, and The Little Mermaid to name a few! As always, we will pay homage to our graduating members, who will bid an emotional farewell to the stage for the final time.

   

LEGALLY BLONDE

6th, 7th, 8th & 9th March 2019

Based on the novel and the hit-movie of the same name, Legally Blonde: the Musical chronicles the journey of the famously perky Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy, UCLA sorority girl who finds her life turned upside down when she is dumped by her boyfriend Warner. In an effort to prove to Warner that she is more than just some blonde sorority girl, she follows him to Harvard Law, where she struggles to fit in and do well. Ultimately, she defies expectations and manages to stay true to her delightfully pink personality. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal! 

   

THE CLASH: SCREEN VS STAGE

29th, 30th Nov & 1st Dec 2018

 

   

URINETOWN

11th, 12th & 13th October 2018

A terrible water shortage caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom! ‘Les Mis’ meets ‘Newsies with pee’ set to an almost Sondheim-like musical score written by Mark Hollmann with lyrics by Greg Kotis, ‘Urinetown: The Musical’ is sure to make this another smash-hit show for BUSMS! 

   

OH WHAT A LOVELY WAR

9th & 10th June 2018

For Bath Fringe this year, Director Luke Waddon masterminded a modern take on the landmark musical, Oh What a Lovely War. The show used music, statistics, and media to challenge common narratives about conflict and war - this time through the lens of the modern media. The piece spoke of the monotonous and cyclic qualities of conflict through the ages - it was a real show to remember and a truly outstanding performance given it was all put together in under a week.

   

ENCORE

5th & 6th May 2018

Another year, another Encore - our annual revue show filled with songs from all your favourite musicals – new and old! Featuring numbers from Our House, Dear Evan Hansen, Newsies and Tangled the penultimate BUSMS show of the year was a scorcher.

   

MADE IN DAGENHAM

22th, 23rd & 24th March 2018

Based on true events, Made in Dagenham draws on the 1968 sewing machinist strike at the Ford factory in Dagenham, Essex. In direct result of the strike, the Equal Pay Act of 1970 was passed, prohibiting any form of less favourable treatment between men and women in terms of pay and conditions of employment. The musical follows the story Rita O’Grady, the leader of the strike, as she encourages the women of the factory to walk out after they are re-classified as unskilled workers. A powerful, emotional piece, Made in Dagenham was yet another BUSMS corker.

   

A NIGHT WITH THE STARS

17th & 18th November 2017

Adding our own unique flare to a traditional musical awards ceremony, we went on a journey through the nominations - with accolades up for grabs for the best choreography, acting, musical score, and overall production. Performances ranged from Mary Poppins to Hamilton and it was all a right old bobby dazzler.

   

IN THE HEIGHTS

12th & 14th October 2017

 

In the Heights – the breakout musical of multi award-winning writer of Hamilton, Lin Manuel Miranda - seamlessly weaves together hip-hop and Latin rhythm to tell the story of a vibrant community within the New York Bronx. Usnavi De La Vega and friends go about their daily business in the bodega until they are made aware of a potential life-changing lottery ticket win – the fallout from which might change the makeup of the community forever. A high-energy and high-impact production, In the Heights was a sell-out hit. Lights up on Washington Heights!

   

The Ballad of Me and My Friends

THE BALLAD OF ME AND MY FRIENDS

9th & 10th June 2017

A new jukebox musical written by our Chair (2016/17) - Alex Stokoe for Bath's fringe festival. The plot follows the life and times of musicians, artists and other failed 21st century bohemians trying to make it in contemporary London. Taking inspiration from Frank Turner's lyrics and live shows, the performance weaves together gig and theatre.

Featuring some of Frank Turner's greatest hits such as Long Live The QueenRecovery and Four Simple Words.

   

Encore

ENCORE 2017

5th & 6th May 2017

BUSMS's final show of the year went out with a bang! Once again, we SOLD OUT both performances of Encore this year. Featuring a big tap dancing Mary Poppins chorus number, a sexy solo from the Rocky Horror Show, a trio of witches from Witches of Eastwick and everything in between. This show was truly something to remember!

   

Cabaret

BUSMS CABARET: ALL THAT JAZZ

4th April 2017

An elegant evening of cabaret classics!? BUSMS's first ever cabaret show, which will be in aid of RAG's Big Four Charities: Bath Rugby Foundation, CLIC Sargent, Forever Friends Appeal and Trauma Recovery Centre.

Pippin

PIPPIN

8th, 9th, 10th & 11th March 2017

Pippin is the story of a young prince, heir to the throne, who is searching for his own "corner of the sky", as told by a travelling troup of actors led by the cunning and charming Leading Player. Pippin returns home from university certain that he will find a fulfilling purpose in life.

Out of the Box

OUT OF THE BOX

1st, 2nd & 3rd December 2016

Out of the Box featured songs from all your favourite musicals, but with a twist! With gender swapped solos from Les Miserables, duetting Disney villains, modernised numbers from Hamilton and everything in between – there was truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Rent

RENT

13th, 14th & 15th October 2016

RENT is a story of hope amidst heartbreak, with the plot loosely based on Puccini's La Boheme. This rock musical follows the struggles of a group of impoverished young artists living in New York's Bohemian Alphabet City under the shadow of the AIDS epidemic. Featuring classic songs such as La Vie Boheme and Seasons of Love.

Encore

ENCORE 2016

29th & 30th April 2016

BUSMS's final show of the year went out with a bang! Once again, we SOLD OUT both performances of Encore this year. With numbers from Wicked, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Book of Mormon, Phantom of the Opera and Matilda, to some unconvential numbers from the movies Django Unchained and Toy Story. This show was truly something to remember.

   

Guys & Dolls

GUYS & DOLLS

2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th March 2016

A show fitting for its 20th Anniversary year, BUSMS performed the musical classic, Guys & Dolls to sell-out audiences. Guys & Dolls is a musical romantic comedy involving the unlikeliest of Manhatten pairings: a high-rolling gambler, and a puritanical missionary, and a showgirl dreaming of the straight-and-narrow and a lousy game manager who is anything but. Featuring the classic ballad 'I've Never Been In Love Before', and the toe-tapping 'Luck Be A Lady', BUSMS delighted audiences night after night.

   

Musicals Through The Ages

MUSICALS THROUGH THE AGES

13th & 14th November 2015

Moving away from our usual November Show theme, A Night at the Movies, BUSMS treated audiences to a toe-tapping musical journey through time. Starting from the creation, with songs from Jesus Christ Superstar, through the swinging sixties of Hairspray and Jersey Boys, finally ending at the modern day with the hardcore finale, 'Here I Go Again', BUSMS proved that time-travel is possible!

   

Sunshine On Leith

SUNSHINE ON LEITH

1st, 2nd & 3rd October 2015

Featuring the songs of the Proclaimers (I'm on My Way, Letter From America), BUSMS took a trip to sunny Leith, following the highs and lows of Ally and his friend Davy as they return home from the army. Families, friendships and life are not all plain sailing in this funny and moving story about love and life.

   

Encore

ENCORE 2015

1st & 2nd May 2015

BUSMS got sassy in the biggest Encore yet, with numbers from The Commitments, Dream Girls, The Blues Brothers, Pippin, Book of Mormon and even Wicked, this show had it all for the final show of the year. Two SOLD OUT shows, made this year's Encore one of the best yet! This show continues to go from strength to strength, and we're already looking forward to next year's rendition!

   

Grease

GREASE

11th, 12th, 13th & 14th March 2015

In what was arguably the biggest and most challenging show that BUSMS has ever put on, BUSMS pulled out all the stops to perform to 4 sell-out audiences. The T-Birds came out in full force to show the extraordinary transformation in Greased Lightning, whilst the girls worked to help Sandy realise her true self. Complete with a killer cast and insane dance routines, BUSMS proved that Grease really is the word!

   

A Night At The Movies

A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

31st October & 1st November 2014

In its second year, BUSMS' November Revue Show continued to get bigger and better, with a huge cast and a second performance added. From Chicago to Shrek, Rocky Horror to Cabaret, this show had it all, an all-singing, all-dancing movie extravaganza!

   

Spring Awakening

SPRING AWAKENING

2nd, 3rd & 4th October 2014

A new year and a new show for BUSMS. Featuring hit songs such as 'Mama who Bore Me' and 'Whispering', BUSMS celebrate the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood, a journey of self-discovery in a German society where adults make the rules, with an unforgettable power, poignancy and passion.

 

 

Encore

ENCORE 2014

28th & 29th March 2014

Back in University Hall for the final show of the year, BUSMS pulled out all the stops to put on a fantastic show complete with a Thriller dance routine. Showcasing the exceptional talent within the society, this year's revue show included songs from Rent, The Producers, Legally Blonde: The Musical, Singing in the Rain and Oklahoma.

   

Anything Goes

ANYTHING GOES

20th, 21st & 22nd February 2014

Ships Ahoy! When BUSMS boarded the S.S. American, etiquette and convention got tossed out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love, proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail. With classic songs including 'I Get A Kick Out of You', 'You're the Top' and of course 'Anything Goes', BUSMS performed to three sell-out audiences - it really was 'De-Lovely'!

 
 

A Night At The Movies

A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

1st November 2013

In BUSMS' first November Revue show, we treated the audience to A Night at the Movies, showcasing songs from Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast and Hairspray. This was a great way to get lots of Freshers and new members to experience a show with BUSMS ahead of the Main Show, and saw a great turn out from the society as a whole, with a cast of over 40 - the first of many November shows to come.

 
 

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

3rd, 4th & 5th October 2013

This October Show saw six BUSMSers go back to school to tell the hilarious tale of overachiever's angst as they compete for the spelling championship of a lifetime. The spelling bee is the one place where these students can stand out and fit in at the same time and learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser.

   

Encore

ENCORE 2013

5th & 6th May 2013

This year's Encore was bigger and better than ever! Featuring numbers from top West-End musicals including Legally Blonde, A Chorus Line and Ghost, our very own Chair even dressed up as Matilda's Miss Trunchball, it was a fantastic evening of entertainment! Even though we were not in our usual venue and had the additional challenges of University Hall, we had nearly sell-out audiences! We're already looking forward to the next one!

   

The Full Monty/Bad Girls: The Musical

BAD GIRLS THE MUSICAL & THE FULL MONTY

12th, 13th, 14th, 15th & 16th March 2013

BUSMS took on an extra challenge in 2013 and put on two shows in one week! The Full Monty and Bad Girls: The Musical were hugely successful and showcased BUSMS talents extraordinarily. Based on the hit ITV series, Bad Girls is set in Larkhall Prison and centres around the day-to-day dramas of inmates and prison workers. British film hit The Full Monty has been adapted for the stage and transported to Buffalo, New York and follows the lives of 6 unemployed steel workers and their money-spinning adventure to become one-night-only male strippers. Yes, they went the full monty!

   

Little Shop of Horrors

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

4th, 5th & 6th October 2012

Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy horror rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. The music, composed by Menken in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, includes several well-known tunes, including the title song, “Skid Row (Downtown)”, “Somewhere That’s Green”, and “Suddenly, Seymour”.

   

Encore

ENCORE 2012

6th & 7th May 2012

This year's Encore was a huge success. Boasting incredible numbers from such fantastic musicals as The Lion KingLegally BlondeCatsHairAnything GoesThe Book of Mormon, and many others, Encore 2012 was greatly enjoyed by all. This was the society's first two-night Encore to have sold out.

   

FAME

FAME

21st, 22nd, 23rd & 24th March 2012

In this high energy sensation, BUSMS took us back to student life in 1980s New York City. A diverse group of students put their blood, sweat, and tears into life at the High School of the Performing Arts to try and make it in the dazzling world of Hollywood.

Fame was a resounding success; with audiences giving glowing reviews, and completely selling out across all four nights.

   

Show in the Deep (Show in a Week)

SHOW IN A WEEK: SHOW IN THE DEEP

29th October 2011

The University of Bath's Arts Societies took a little adventure Under the Sea in this year's Show in a Week. Amongst other fantastic performances from societies such as BUST, BodySoc, Gravity Vomit et al., BUSMS took to the stage with its own renditions of Beautiful Briny Sea, Sailing for Adventure, and Beyond the Sea.

   

Aida

AIDA

7th, 8th & 9th October 2011

With a soundtrack of pop, reggae, gospel and motown, BUSMS' performance of Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida told an epic tale of forbidden love and mistaken identity against the unmistakeable backdrop of ancient Egypt. 

Aida ran for three performances, and sold out across them all.

   

The Wedding Singer

THE WEDDING SINGER

13th, 14th, 15th & 16th April 2011

Based on the cult classic film of the same name, BUSMS's production of The Wedding Singer was full of fantastic songs and hysterically funny moments. It ran for 4 performances and went down a treat with all audiences.

   

Encore

ENCORE 2010

5th December 2010

Encore is a highlight of the BUSMS calender; a review show demonstrating the vast array of talent within the society, and a wide variety of songs featuring the best in contemporary and classic musical theatre for two performances worth of great entertainment! Once again, Encore was a massive success and very well received by all. 

   

Superheroes (Show in a Week)

SHOW IN A WEEK: SUPERHEROES

30th October 2010

BUSMS teamed up with the Bath Uni's arts societies yet again for Show in a Week. This year's theme was Superheroes, and BUSMS didn't disappoint with a witty script, moving songs and an amusing assortment of characters.

   

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

7th, 8th & 9th October 2010

A brand new musical written, produced and performed by members of BUSMS; Epilogue is a clever piece that follows the exploits of a suspect troupe of actors, and the reasoning and undertaking of the murder that is at the heart of the plot.

Epilogue was a great success with near sell out performances throughout its run.

   

Encore

ENCORE 2010

3rd May 2010

Bath University Student Musicals Society brought back its ever-popular, one-night-only review show for its third year. Encore showcased a variety of songs from well-known, and less-prominent, musicals featuring talent from across its large member base.

   

Footloose

FOOTLOOSE

17th, 18th, 19th & 20th March 2010

Based on the 1984 film of the same name, Footloose is set in a small farming town with peculiar laws. Ren, an ordinary city kid, moves there from Chicago. Being used to dancing away his stresses after a day’s work, Ren is taken aback by a law that bans dancing; the brainchild of a local preacher bent on exercising control over the town’s youths. Sporting the musical’s Oscar-nominated hit score, BUSMS production of Footloose was a great success.

   

I Love the Nineties (Show in a Week)

SHOW IN A WEEK: I LOVE THE NINETIES

31st October 2009

Put together over the course of a week, Show in a Week is a spectacular showcase of the various talents of the University's Arts Societies. BUSMS seized this year's theme of I love the Nineties, and produced a fantastic song cycle of 90s favourites set in a school courtyard.

   

Edges

EDGES

9th, 10th & 11th October 2009

Edges is not a traditional musical - it is an exciting new show about four young adults asking classic coming-of-age questions. This show is honest, witty, and charming as it confronts the trials and tribulations of moving into adulthood and follows the four as they search for love, grapple with emotions, try to escape expectations and attempt to decipher complicated relationships. Audiences joined BUSMS as they explored what happens when we are teetering on the Edges.

   

Encore

ENCORE 2009

4th May 2009

BUSMS returned with their ever-popular, one-night-only review show. With a host of songs from everyone's favourite musicals, spanning a wide range of musical genres, Encore once more managed to thrill, wow, energise, and (almost) have everyone dancing in the aisles.

   

Little Shop of Horrors

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

18th, 19th, 20th & 21st March 2009

Down-and-out floral assistant Seymour becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. 'Audrey II' grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore. As Audrey II's demands increase, all that Seymour holds dear is threatened as the plant's sinister agenda is revealed. Seymour's comedic journey is brought to life by such toe-tapping numbers as Skid Row (Downtown)Dentist!, and the well-loved Suddenly Seymour.

   

The Last Five Years

THE LAST FIVE YEARS

4th, 5th & 6th December 2008

BUSMS staged this fantastic one-act, two-character musical from Chicago that's travelled the world since 2002. This ingenious dissection of a modern romance unfurls both backwards and forwards in time to retrace their story, meeting only in the middle for their wedding. Funny and uplifting, full of emotion, this show captured the heartbreaking and universally felt moments of a relationship.

   

See What I Wanna See

SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE

10th, 11th & 12th October 2008

BUSMS staged the brilliant Off-Broadway hit musical which won a host of rave reviews when it premiered in 2005. With a story that transports you from ancient Japan to post 9/11 New York, See What I Wanna See shows that all is not what it seems when it comes to love, sex, religion, and murder. This sexy saga with its punchy lyrics featured a diverse range of fantastic music from cool jazz to groovy pop.

   

Godspell

GODSPELL

5th, 6th, 7th & 8th March 2008

BUSMS's updated version of the 1970s hit musical tells the story of the gospel of St Matthew. This sensational show turns the gospel into an all-singing, all-dancing comic musical starring Jesus, with his disciples portrayed as the seven deadly sins. With a sparkling score featuring songs such as Day by Day and Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord, slap-stick comedy and counter-culture appeal did not fail to entertain.

   

Ruthless

RUTHLESS

5th & 6th October 2007

Eight year old Tina is a parent's worst nightmare. She knows she was born to play Pippi Longstocking in her school show, and is prepared to do anything to win the part.

Mix together The Bad SeedAll About EveGypsy and nearly every other of stage mothers and precocious daughters and you've got Ruthless! This hilarious spoof musical is full of wacky characters and riotous numbers, and is a telling of the dangers of wild ambition.

   

Sweet Charity

SWEET CHARITY

8th, 9th, 10th & 11th February 2006

Bob Fosse's outrageous musical that became a landmark of the late 60s is the story of Charity - an impetuous young woman who not only wears her heart on her sleeve; she also has it tattooed on her arm.

Including show stopping songs such as Rhythm of LifeRich Man's FrugIf My Friends Could See Me Now, and the unforgettable Big Spender.

The Banner

Our logo has undergone many different iterations, but the masks are a constant theme throughout. And no, we still haven't done Cats.

From Cole Porter's "Anything Goes" (1934)

From Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida" (2000)

From Dominic Frontiere's song "Sunday drivin'" from the soundtrack to the movie On Any Sunday (1971)

From "Your Wedding Day"