A new musical, In The Red , was premiered. The first half of the programme was devoted to the extravaganza, based on Robert Tressell's novel The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists , and written by Bucks County Councillor Michael Brand and his colleague Ian Chippendale. This evening, though, was not just about this excellent new musical. It was a gala occasion intended to climax a week of activities for the National Society for Epilepsy. In The Red is a ruthless analysis of the capitalist system, with all its inherent exploitative tendencies.
Man is set against man, money is saved and profits are made.
But the capitalist in the piece, Hunter, ultimately finds it all too much, and the musical ends with a note of optimism with the socialist hero thinking of a New Jerusalem. Messrs Brand and Chippendale have penned some remarkable songs to help bring the story to life. And speaking of bands, the Manchester based Williams Fairey Band appeared on stage, doing their bit to perfection. The second half of the show was completely different and featured the High Wycombe based Jackie Palmer Stage School. Kiki Dee brought about the denouement with Stand By Me, accompanied by Carmelo Luggeri.