What’s On: Departures, Forest Arts, New Milton.

MILTON Musical Society will perform a brand new show at the town’s Forest Arts later this month.

Departures is the brainchild of Tracy Knapp, who joined MMS last year for their autumn show, having previously been part of the amateur musical theatre scene in Kent for around 40 years.

Tracy says the idea for Departures came from news articles about passengers stranded at airports. In the show, the passengers are trapped by a freak snowstorm.

An initial song list and cast of quirky characters was drawn up before bringing long-time MMS member Olwen Adams on board to co-write the script and co-direct the show. Completing the creative team is musical director Alastair Hume.

The show includes musical numbers from hit shows such as Wicked, La La Land, Kinky Boots, 42nd Street, Sister Act, Shrek the Musical, Sweet Charity, Matilda and Chicago.

The creative team do not want to give too much away, but say they have created a piece which juxtaposes moments of humour with those of poignancy to create an entertaining, toe-tapping, feel- good show.

Tracy said: “A cast of nearly 30 are busy learning their lines and practising their songs and dance moves. Why is a barista so fed up with a sickly-sweet newlywed couple? What does Matilda want to be when she grows up? Why is the pilot losing her mind? What do the Diamond Ladies get up to whilst their husbands are away? And why oh why are three young women so hungry?

Departures will be on stage at New Milton’s Forest Arts Centre from 29th November to 2nd December. Tickets are £15. For more information visit www.forest-arts.co.uk or call the box office on 01425 612393.