The Likes of Us - June 16th - 20th 2009 Lyrics by Tim Rice, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestrations by David Cullen & Chris Walker as conceived by Andrew Lloyd Webber An amateur production by arrangement with Really Useful Group Ltd Our June 2009 production was the little known musical "The Likes of Us". Interestingly though, you will be aware of the composer and lyricist, "Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber" and "Sir Tim Rice".       The cast for the Likes of Us ...  This show was the first collaboration in 1965 between the then 17 year old "Andrew" and 21 year old "Tim". It tells the captivating story of Thomas Barnado and his efforts and struggles in building his first children's home in 1866 East End London. Having only been recorded at the Sydmonton Festival, Canada in 2005, this is a first for amateur theatre in the UK and as such generated a considerable amount of interest for what will become a classic musical. Why did it never get produced before? Well, the young guys did try many times to find an impresario to undertake it but they were constantly knocked back. Both Andrew and Tim continued to strengthen their partnership though with their next show written as a 20 minute university piece that eventually became the international success known as Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. And the rest, as is often said, is history.  This musical was "shelved" until being dusted in 2008 and released to amateurs as part of Lord Andrew's 60th birthday celebrations, before a probable West End production in a few years time. The Concordia Youth Theatre was one of only 40 societies in the UK that has been granted a licence to perform the show and were the first in Leicestershire. The show, set in 1866, tells the story of Thomas Barnado and his struggles to set up the children's homes that would become so important worldwide. He faces many difficulties throughout including the abject resistance of the local East End population who see him as an interfering man who doesn't understand the real needs of the population. This is a touching and lively musical that again shows that right can conquer wrong and that the lives and plight of the children are non negotiable. This show is suitable for all ages. The music is stunning, but it is unlikely that you will have heard any of the songs, however, we're sure that you will absolutely love the orchestrations for this superb piece and recognise the immense early talents of the duo. One of the songs, "Going, Going Gone!", set in an auction house is the very first piece written by Andrew and Tim and is sure to bring the house down.   The Youth Theatre again showcased some exceptional talent with Josh Smith as Barnado, Rebecca Hamilton as Syrie, Rebecca Ward as Rose (the harlot with a heart of gold) Scott Lewin as Lord Shaftesbury and Chris Norton as the Auctioneer. 2 songs from the show were filmed in August 2008 on behalf of NODA and the Really Useful Group. Pictures of the filming can be found here.