Northampton's Royal and Derngate Theatre is gearing up for a unique theatrical experience, as its front-of-house staff, who gained internet fame for their TikTok dance routines, are returning to the stage with a sequel. The team, known as TheatreFrontOfHouse on the social media platform, has amassed over 160,000 followers and is now ready to showcase their hidden talents in a musical production. This isn't their first foray into the spotlight; they previously put on a show called 'The Show Must Go...On?' in October, which was a last-minute affair due to an unexpected gap in the theatre's schedule. The director, Jodie Kindell, reflects on the success of the last show, stating, 'We did such a good job last year that we've got big shoes to fill, even though they are our own shoes.'
The upcoming musical, titled 'La Grande Façade', delves into the challenges of fame and the dynamics of a close-knit team. Kindell explains, 'It's about how fame has gone to our heads, causing tensions to rise, and it follows on from the previous plot, which mirrored the reality of staff coming together to put on a last-minute show for the first time.' The show promises to be a reflection of the team's unique bond, with Kindell adding, 'We are a family so it makes the rehearsal process a lot easier, as it makes it a safe space to explore these themes and ideas.'
The musical director, Joseph Kempster, has composed 10 original songs for the production, emphasizing the raw and authentic nature of the performance. He states, 'We're not polished actors or performers, we're not pitch-perfect, but it doesn't need to be [and] there's real beauty in that.' The ensemble, including Rimini Reed, who plays a variety of instruments, and Matthew Cook, who was part of the previous show, are described as 'very dedicated' and 'professional'.
James Swindall, a customer experience supervisor and performer, highlights the rare and special bond within the team, saying, 'There is an existing bond there, not just from the last show but from years before that. It's quite rare.' Benji Dotan, a co-star and front-of-house staff member, adds, 'We have all this hidden talent, we want to show [that it] happens [here in] Northampton.'
The team's journey from TikTok fame to a professional stage production is a testament to their dedication and talent. As they prepare for the show's performances on June 26 and 27, they aim to showcase their skills and entertain audiences, both online and in person. This unique collaboration between front-of-house staff and performers is a refreshing take on traditional theatre, blending the personal with the professional and offering a behind-the-scenes look at the magic that happens in a theatre's production process.
