Joseph Rowntree Theatre Events

Flying Ducks prove time and time again that they enjoy a challenge and this year is no exception. This comical love story, made famous by the British musical film of 1967, starring Tommy Steele, has recently enjoyed a successful professional tour starring Gary Wilmot in the lead role of Arthur Kipps. It is really quite something that our very own Flying Ducks Youth Theatre will perform the first amateur production of this famous musical with Sam Whyte playing the lead at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.

The story of orphan Arthur Kipps, who lives and works with other apprentices for the cruel draper, Mr. Shalford, is quite endearing. Kipps learns that he inherits a fortune and tries to join the upper classes, getting engaged to the wealthy Helen Walsingham. Soon, he realises that his true love is his childhood sweetheart, Ann, and that money really cannot buy love. Thank goodness the story has a happy ending!

Don't miss the Flying Ducks production of one of the world's best-loved hit musicals, featuring favourite songs such as Flash Bang Wallop, If the Rains Got to Fall and of course Half A Sixpence. It will be a show for all the family to enjoy.

Two unemployed musicians — bass player Jerry and saxophone player Joe — witness the St Valentines Day massacre in Chicago. In order to escape gangster Spats Palazzo and his henchmen, they dress as women and join Sweet Sue and Her Society Syncopaters, an all-female band about to leave town for an engagement in Florida.

Complications arise when Joe, now known as Josephine, falls in love with beautiful band singer Sugar Kane, who has a slight drinking problem that tends to interfere with her ability to choose a romantic partner wisely. More than anything, Sugar wants to marry a millionaire, prompting Joe to disguise himself as the man of her dreams.

Meanwhile, wealthy and elderly Osgood Fielding, Jr. is pursuing Daphne, unaware she really is Jerry in drag. As much as he knows he needs to reveal his true gender to his over-amorous paramour, Jerry is beginning to enjoy all the expensive gifts bestowed upon him on a regular basis. Total chaos erupts when Spatz and his gang descend upon the hotel and realise who Josephine and Daphne really are.

With upbeat music, great songs, and plenty of comedy throughout, this show will have you laughing and tapping your feet all the way.