A History of BUSMS Productions

FUN HOME

6th & 7th June 2026

Fun home is a play that jumps across three different stages of Alison’s life: as a child (playing in her family’s funeral home), as a college student (navigating her first lesbian relationship and sexual awakening), and as a 43-year-old adult writing her graphic novel. The adult Alison acts as a detective of her own memories, trying to make sense of her brilliant but volatile father, his secret life, and his eventual suicide shortly after she comes out.

 

GUYS AND DOLLS

4th, 5th, 6th & 7th March 2026

Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy. Gambler, Nathan Detroit, tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck; meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they've been engaged for fourteen years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough, and Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown, as a result. Guys and Dolls takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong.

 

CRAZY FOR YOU

9th, 10th & 11th October 2025

A zany rich-boy-meets-hometown-girl romantic comedy, Crazy For You tells the story of young New York banker Bobby Child, who is sent to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a rundown theatre. In Deadrock, Bobby falls for Polly Baker, the theatre owner’s daughter. But when Polly takes an instant dislike to him, Bobby vows – through a hilarious case of mistaken identity – to win Polly’s heart and save the theatre.

 

LITTLE WOMEN

2025

 

LEGALLY BLONDE

5th, 6th & 7th March 2025

 

ANYTHING GOES

10th, 11th & 12th October 2024

 

WILDFIRE

8th & 9th June 2024

An original musical written by our very own Mia Herkanaidu and Jenny Power, and music by Mia Herkanaidu, Wildfire is centered around a girl called Nina who has been emotionally stifled since she was a child. Throughout the show, we explore Nina’s family dynamic, old friendships and both past and new romances that have shaped her, and follow her on a journey of self discovery as she works through her emotional trauma.

 

FIREBRINGER

8th & 9th June 2024

At the dawn of humanity, one tribe of cave-people survive the many trials of prehistoric life under the wise leadership of Jemilla, the peacemaker. Jemilla taught her people to express themselves, rather than bashing each others’ heads in with rocks and eating each others’ babies. But one member of the tribe doesn’t seem to fit in: Zazzalil. She’s always trying to invent things to make life easier… for herself. One day Zazzalil stumbles upon the most important discovery in history: Fire! Naturally, chaos, comedy (and a lot of swearing!) ensues.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

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 Queen, Recovery and Four Simple Words.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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'!

 

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.

 

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

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”.

 

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.

 

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

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

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

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

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

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 Seed, All About Eve, Gypsy 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

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 Life, Rich Man's Frug, If 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"