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BNI Collingtree member Peter Jones has been hired to look after the publicity of a major new London musical...and immediately discovered a link with Northampton!
Peter, a partner in the PR and media consultancy RED ALERT MEDIA, was recommended to the producers of WHITE FOLKS - A MUSICAL FABLE by a client. And one of them - choreographer Dollie Hendry - grew up in Northampton, and her parents still live in the town.
"It was a good way of breaking the ice, and of course I've already been working on recommending a piece to the local paper and getting her a slot on the local radio," said Peter. "She's done really well for herself, and being
one of the co-producers on this show is an exciting new venture for Dollie, as it is for the other two producers - her partner Paul Jenkins, who's composed the music, and singer songwriter Ray Shell."
It's also Peter's first venture into showbusiness, and he's finding it a fascinating challenge.
"It's always very flattering to be recommended - it's nice to know that people appreciate the work you do for them and feel confident enough to promote your company...hopefully my fellow BNI members feel the same way about me!" he said.
"I've got nothing but respect for Ray, Paul and Dollie, they're working really hard to make this show a success, and not only do they deserve it to be, I really think it will be." he added. "I saw the showcase performance
and have listened to a CD of the songs and there's some really good music and very catchy songs.
"More importantly, I've heard nothing but good things about the show from some very respected figures in the theatre world, and that's good enough for me.
"But also Ray has vast experience in musical theatre - he's appeared in some of the world's most famous musicals from Hair to Jesus Christ Superstar to Starlight Express to Five Guys Named Mo, and is currently in The Lion King.
"He also owns up to appearing in one or two not so successful productions - so when he says he's certain he's on a winner you have to believe him."
White Folks - A Musical Fable is a rich blend of commercial musical trends and a strong storyline that takes some of the most famous biblical stories and adapts them to the everyday events of the modern world. The producers take a look at life in the 21st century and ask the question: 'what has the
world learned from its history?'
"The show has a serious message running through it, but essentially it's good family entertainment and catchy, lively music," said Peter. "Ray's very proud about the show's originality, he believes it's what London Theatre is
crying out for, and I hope he gets the support he deserves."
The show has its first London run at The Pleasance Theatre, Islington, for two months from June 7. The Pleasance is an 8 minute tube ride from Covent Garden and a five minute walk from Caledonian Road tube station, on the Picadilly Line. |
