Marking a century of passion, creativity and inclusivity, a week-long musical celebration is set to take place at the Gwyn Hall, Neath, this September – which also sees a return to the stage of some of the company’s longest serving members.
In 1923, a young lady called Ivy Davies asked her father, John Davies (a local coal merchant) if he could help start up a society that would enable her and her friends to sing, dance and act. He met with his business associates and in March 1923, in the Cambrian Arms, Neath, Melyn Amateur Operatic Society (later renamed Melyn Musical Theatre Company (MMTC)) was born.
MMTC’s first ever show took place in May 1923 and, since then, the society has performed more than 120 shows, to more than 300,000 audience members in the Neath Port Talbot area. The first production was called ‘Dogs of Devon’ – which is these days described as a ‘forgotten opera’. The society continued to stage annual performances up until the second World War, where for obvious reasons, the members efforts were concentrated elsewhere, including entertaining the local troops.
Productions started again in 1948 and have continued every year since then, even during the recent pandemic.
MMTC is renowned for taking on some of the most challenging and exhilarating shows over the years, including The Producers, Sweeney Todd, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Legally Blonde, Made in Dagenham, The Full Monty and Chicago. MMTC are thrilled to be bringing the Tony-award winning “Kinky Boots” to Neath Port Talbot, for the first time to coincide with the centrepiece of the company’s centenary celebration.
Taking place at the Gwyn Hall between 19 – 23 September, “Kinky Boots” is set to be an explosion of fun and a huge celebration of diversity, two things MMTC is extremely passionate about. The company takes pride in its long-standing tradition of fostering a warm and welcoming community, with some members having devoted decades to its growth and success.
At the heart of this celebration is the triumphant return of the company’s older members, many of whom have graced the stage in decades past. A special mention must go to Carole Hanford, whose incredible journey with MMTC spans an astonishing 72 years. Taking to the stage for this special performance will be members aged between seven and 87 – the biggest range of ages the society has ever seen.
“Kinky Boots” is an electrifying and heart-warming musical that tells the inspiring story of Charlie Price, a young man who inherits his father’s struggling shoe factory and, in a bid to save it, he embarks on a journey to create a line of high-heeled boots for drag queens, challenging societal norms and prejudices. Set against a backdrop of catchy tunes and exuberant choreography, “Kinky Boots” is a celebration of acceptance, individuality, and the power of friendship to overcome adversity.
Joining the cast on the Friday and Saturday shows, is none other than the real-life ‘Charlie Price’ himself – Steve Pateman. Author of “Boss in Boots”, the story behind “Kinky Boots”, Steve will be doing a book signing at the Gwyn Hall and might even be dragged up on stage!
The BSL performance of the show will take place on Wednesday 20 September at the fully accessible venue. Charity collections will take place on each night, which will be donated to benefit local charitable organisations, many of which are close to the members hearts, including The Stroke Association, Blytheswood Christmas Shoe Box Appeal, Morgan’s Army and Singleton Hospital Neonatal Unit.
Melyn Musical Theatre Company Chairwoman, Elizabeth Symons said: “I cannot explain in words how proud and humbled I am to be Chairwoman of MMTC, taking us into and beyond our Centenary year. The society means so much to me, having known it all of my life.
“Today, we are an inclusive society with a diverse membership. We have members with different abilities and needs, joined together by their love of performing and the theatre. Theatre should be accessible to everyone, on stage and off, and I really believe our ancestors would be proud of the society we are today.
“Finally, we are thrilled to be bringing “Kinky Boots” to Neath Port Talbot, for the first time, this September, and even more thrilled that the show has sold out. We want to say thank you to everyone for their support over the years, and may it continue for many many more.”
Carole Hanford, MMTC’s longest serving member, said: “It’s hard to believe I first joined the society in 1951! Before that I used to love helping to sell programmes for performances, aged just 10, just after the second world war.
“It goes without saying I have huge amount of love and care for this society. Melyn Musical Theatre Company is in my blood and I’m very pleased to be a part of the Centenary production.”
Carol Howells, MMTC member for 55 years said: “I’m hugely proud of being a part of Melyn Musical Theatre Company as it has been a massive part of life for my whole family through the generations.
“I’m so pleased that we are back treading the boards in The Gwyn Hall – where it all began for the company 100 years ago.”
