We were formed in 2004 with the sole aim to produce and stage a new musical called "Sailor The Musical Journey", based on the songs of the 70's cult band Sailor. this has been a major undertaking and all the efforts will come to fruition on the 3rd of July 2006 till the 8th of July 2006, at Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. This show is the first World Premiere of a musical to be staged in Carnegie Hall. The proceeds from the show are to benefit Kidney Research UK and the MacMillan Fife Appeal
Reviews/opinions about "Sailor - The Musical Journey":
" Georg Kajanus:
"I've experienced a great many emotional events during my career: from the wondrous to the hideous; from the ecstatic to the tragic. What I experienced on the evening of the 3rd of July, 2006, in a place called Dunfermline, Scotland, was one of the most tender and exciting moments to date. It was the world premiere of Bill Blenman's: 'Sailor - The Musical Journey'.
A couple of years ago, Bill contacted me with the idea of using songs that I had previously written for SAILOR as a kind of road map for the story of his musical. On opening night, I was confronted with an enormously enthusiastic cast of some considerable size pouring themselves into their parts as if they had become the very characters they were playing. Bill had managed to realize his dream through the heart warming and romantic story of his book, and against all odds, had found the finance to stage this imaginative production for a six night run for charity at the well-known Carnegie Hall.
Considering this was an amateur production, I was very impressed with the quality of the acting, directing, singing, dancing, musical arrangements and the set and costumes.
Georg Kajanus"
" Bill Blenman:
"'Sailor - The Musical Journey' is now finished, its World Premiere run, and by all accounts has been acclaimed as a success. The energy and enthusiasm of the cast grow ten fold as the week progressed. 'Sailor - The Musical Journey' has in some respect recreated SAILOR in a new form. The songs that Georg wrote all those years ago now have a new life and are as visual as well as they are brilliant pieces of music.
To see the sheer joy on Georg's face at the end of the show is a memory that will live with me forever. To also see the dedicated SAILOR fans enjoy their favourite music in a new form, show that this was a long but rewarding task. It has been said by many that this show has to be done again but on a bigger stage. Then to that extreme I hope that someone out in the theatre world thinks the same. I know that Georg and Steve Morris think the same and I believe that they will try and promote the show. But what ever happens 'Sailor - The Musical Journey' will be talked about for a long time.
To all that supported this show you have my heart felt gratitude.
We are at the minute in dry dock, till we sail again.
Bill Blenman, Author and Producer 'Sailor - The Musical Journey'"
" "We sailed (well, flew) the long way from Germany via Frankfurt, London and Southampton to see the opening night on Monday and really have to say that the world premiere was an absolutely MARVELLOUS experience. Congratulations to Bill Blenman and the whole cast and crew for getting such an incredible show with all the great songs that we know and love together with such a wonderful story for the world to see. This Musical doesn't just keep the music of SAILOR alive, it opens up a whole new horizon... Everybody go out and see it if you can! It's an impressive show that has been put together with a lot of love, enthusiasm and dedication!" (Katrin Wagner)
" "Just got home from a great night out at 'Sailor - The Musical Journey' at the Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline. What a great show! Songs and cast were fantastic. Well done to all involved." (Barclay)
" "Caught the show tonight and I must congratulate everyone on all the hard work they've put into mounting the show - really interesting to see a completely new show."
"
" "Good to see something new and something performed with such enthusiasm."
" "What Bill Blenman got going there is a real delicacy for every SAILOR fan. The warm welcome at the opening night and also after the second show (Turesday) in the middle of all the actors turned the whole thing into a very special experience for me." (Richard Rummel)
" "Champagne for everyone!
Something truly remarkable happened in Scotland last week when the long-awaited 'Sailor - The Musical Journey' finally made it to the stage. What has been created is something which can stand proudly alongside any other modern musical and I can only hope that there will be someone out there in the world of theatrical promotions who will find a way of bringing this amazing piece of work to a wider audience.
For Eileen and myself, our journey started early on Saturday morning. When we arrived in Dunfermline we quickly located the Carnegie Hall and took our first few pictures. After meeting up with Susanne from Germany, we spent the day being tourists (Edinburgh is currently full of cow parade cows!!) before getting ready for the show. Dunfermline itself is a fairly small town but it has a wealth of history and is well worth exploring.
As you would expect, we arrived early at the theatre and were warmly greeted by Bill Blenman. It is his vision and determination which has created this show and it is wonderful to find a man who never lost sight of achieving his dream. This was the final night and, being Saturday, there was a good turn out in the theatre. From the opening number of 'The Old Nickelodeon Sound' I was swept away into a world of sailors, bars, ladies of the night and a touching story of one man's struggle to be reunited with the woman he loves. The order in which the songs have been placed works so well in providing the perfect soundtrack for this heart-warming story. It is amazing how well SAILOR's songs work as show tunes. Obviously that is down to the fact that these are great songs in the first place but it also reflect the hard work of people like Alan Gibson, the Musical Director, in adapting the music so effectively for this show.
This was a large cast, made up entirely of local people with limited experience but bags of enthusiasm. This enthusiasm and energy was evident in every moment throughout the show. This was performance number six and I suspect, like most shows, the performers had got better and better as the week progressed. From where I sat in the second row, Saturday's performance was faultless and the enjoyment of the cast in performing it was clearly there throughout. The two new songs, 'Bumpety Bump' and 'A Woman Like Me' were perfect for the show and as strong as anything else Georg has written. It would be unfair to anyone in the cast to single out personal highlights and to be honest, I'm not sure I can. The truth is I loved ever moment from start to finish - you were all brilliant!!
After the cast had taken their bows, Bill came on stage to say a few personal thank you's to the cast and to all those people backstage who had made this project possible. Emotions were running high and there were plenty of tears (mine included) but everyone deserved their moment in the spotlight. Bill also mentioned Susanne, who had seen the show several times during the week and, like me, was amazed by what this local group of people had achieved.
We were kindly invited along to the after-show party at the King Malcolm Hotel where the cast, quite rightly, enjoyed a few drinks to celebrate a successful run. There was a touching moment when the DJ was asked to stop playing modern dance music and start playing SAILOR tunes instead. We were then treated to the sight of the cast recreating their dance routines from the show on the dance floor. This was no longer for the benefit of an audience but was for the pure enjoyment of doing it for themselves. It was quite extraordinary to witness just how this cast seemed to have taken to the whole feel of SAILOR music to their hearts. If ever the band now play Dunfermline, they should get an exceptional welcome.
This was a fantastic production and an amazing tribute to the work of a band that I have followed for over 30 years. I understand that Georg Kajanus has already let Bill and the cast know just how good he thought their production was. To be honest, that is the only tribute necessary and any words from me or anyone else therefore seem rather superfluous. However, for the record, I loved it!!! More importantly, there is now a real musical in existence based around the songs of SAILOR and, looking forward, this could just be the very best way of ensuring that SAILOR's music is brought to the attention of new generations of fans.
WELL DONE to everyone involved - you are all stars. Thank you for making it happen!!"
Malcolm Knowles
What can I say, where do I start?
If you are involved in the Amateur theatrical scene it can be difficult not to constantly analyse all the many aspects that go into putting any production you go and see, our audiences that go to shows and have no other involvement aside from being patrons have the advantage of not over 'thinking' about the show, they are able to simply enjoy the evenings entertainment, maybe enjoy a particular Friend/family members performance. Not us, that is the great sacrifice we make when we embark on an amateur 'career' so it is a rare thing when I encounter a production which allows me that two hours of total escape, one which lets me enjoy it for what it was and to let myself journey along into the story without knowing where it will end.
Last night I went to see 'Sailor-A Musical Journey'
Last night I saw one of the most enjoyable pieces of theatre I have ever seen
Today I have nothing but admiration for the sheer volume of work put in by all involved and I unreservedly applaud them one and all.
It is all too easy for the embittered in our environment to pick fault with productions for whatever reason but would any of them have the bravery to mount a production of this scale? I don't think so.
This was a production which dared to be different and did so with resounding success. This was a production of sheer originality, a premiere inspired by a long standing body of work by a band from foreign shores which struck a chord with a local man, a man who had never before written anything but who felt compelled enough and empowered enough to follow his dream and take that risk that his dream would be shared by others. It was.
To Bill Blenman I offer my sincere congratulations. You did it Bill, you have lived the dream and from someone who doesn't have your bottle I salute you! You deserve to sleep for a year but i know you wont. I know this journey will continue for you.
To Alan & Theresa & Irene, well done, you should be proud of your work on this, it was a long time in the melting pot but it was worth it in the end.
To the Company, You gave every last drop of your beings to that performance, as I'm sure you gave done all week. You should all be very proud of your achievement.
This story will continue I have no doubts about that, as with any work it will change and improve even further and It will be performed again, and it deserves to, it is new and daring and how could those of us outside that company do anything other than offer our support to it. I will leave the in depth reviews to others who are paid to offer their opinions and those others who may be to small minded to accept that this has broadened the horizons of amateur theatre.
I am disappointed that more of the public have not deemed this endeavour worthy of their attendance as it benefits two great causes but I know it's success will continue. I am sure Georg Kajanus is extremely proud of your work. You have certainly inspired me to investigate the works of Sailor.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL!
Logged
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"If all the world is a stage......Where are the audience sitting?"
mark@scottishtheatreforum.com
WWW.GRIEVEWORLD.com
Bill Blenman Author and Producer "Sailor The Musical Journey" Dream Maker Productions
Bill has performed in many productions since he left the forces in 1987.After a long career both in the Navy and the Army, where he served with the 1st Battalion The Black Watch. As a member of the Pipes and Drums he toured all over the world and has had the privilege of performing in many well know areana's. In particular Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall in the USA. Bill has had many major roles on the stage with most of the companies in the area, in Calamity Jane, Me and My Girl, My Fair Lady, Maime, The King and I, Oliver, Half a Sixpence, High Society, Singing in The Rain, Sound of Music and many more. He regularly appears in pantomime with Dalgety Players. Professional credits include "Jude" with Kate Winslet, River City, and Sea of Souls. Sailor - The Musical Journey is his first writing venture, but he hopes not his last.
Irene Burt - Director.
Born in Glasgow her first encounter with drama was when she was a pupil and Bellahouston Academy being an extra alongside John Cairney. In 1986 she joined the Ayr Fort Players learning to act on stage and also back stage techniques. She joined Borderline Theatre in Prestwick and auditioned for the part of the temptress in the play Murder in the Cathedral which was successful in getting the part. She played alongside John Murtagh, (Better known as Lachlin in Braveheart and George in River City) whom she still works with to this day. In the early 90's she moved to Dunfermline the birthplace of her three beloved children Jon, Pauline and Shirley-Anne. Still with the desire of acting on the stage she joined a few of the local Fife companies and appeared in many of the musicals that have been staged. She has been president of Dalgety Players a local church community theatre group for the last three years and enjoys seeing the progress of new and exciting talented people
Alan Gibson - Musical Director
Alan works extensively with musical theatre companies throughout Fife and Edinburgh, from musical director and accompanist to pit musician. Other activities include working with the Telford and Adam Smith colleges theatre students and he is a member of the Scottish Saxophone Quartet and the Big Noise Soul Band. His company Liquid Productions now also produces and helps promote musical theatre, mainly in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Show highlights include Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess, Titanic, Les Miserables, West Side Story, Copacabana, 42nd Street, Sweet Charity, Crazy For You, Singing in the Rain, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Best Little Whoehouse in Texas, City of Angels, Sweeney Todd, The Will Rogers Follies, High Society, Working, Return to the Forbidden Planet, Little Shop of Horrors, nnd many more.
Theresa Puddefoot - Choreographer
Theresa trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Highland, Character, and modern dance. She choreographed her first musical at the age of 18. Since then she has performed and worked with many companies and organizations across central Scotland who have benifetted from her creativity and expertise
George Shand - Stage Manager
George has worked. for many years on the stage both acting and behind the scenes. He has been seen regularly on TV in the BBC comedy Still Game. George has a great love of rallying and has taken part in many of the rallies that have been staged around the country. He still is involved from time to time as a marshall in some of the Scottish staged events. It is his great love of the theatre though that Georg has been with many of the companies in the Fife and central area's
Alex & Cathi Muirhead - Set Design and Build
Alex attended the Edinburgh College of Art in the 70's but for the last 15 years has followed many different paths. Cathi has built up her expertise over the years by being involved with many groups and organizations. Together they bring a blend of creative ingenuity. Sailor - The Musical Journey is the first big stage production that they have been involved with, but they rose to the challenge and the results were all there and in place for the first night of the show. They have a unique ability to resource and seem to find the things which are unseen to the normal eye, that would be required for a production.
David Mutch
Sailor The Musical Journey is David's Dunfermline stage debut. He is however no stranger to the stage. Recent works with CST in Edinburgh with a number of successful theatre reviews, a series of one man shows and work with Dalgety players. His musical experiences live have been frequent and past shows include Guys and Dolls, Pippin, Cinderella, and Half a Sixpence. David lives in Dunferline with Karen and his two children Keiran and Luis. He is voice trained by Clair Thomas os Capital Music Tuition.
LeeAnn Dey
LeeAnn is a student at Adam Smith College in Kirkcaldy studying acting and performance. She is an accomplished singer and Sailor The Musical Journey is her first major stage performance .
Andrew Hamilton
Andrew who is an ex merchant seaman, makes his stage debut in a major musical. He is grateful that after many years of singing in pubs and clubs he will be part of Sailor The Musical Journey to fulfill his dream of being on the stage. He hopes his two young children Rachel and Luke will also enjoy their fathers performance
Jo McBrearty
Jo is a well rounded performer who has taken part in many musical performances over the years. He has been a member of both Edinburgh & Dunfermline Gilbert & Sullivan societies, and many of the Fife musical companies. He regularly appears in panto with Dalgety Players and is lover of traditional folk music
David Barclay
David is at present studying Psychology at Stirling University, but he is no stranger to the stage. He has been performing since an ealy age with Carnegie Youth theatre. For David this musical is a family affair as he will be on stage with his mother Maureen.
Graeme Melvin
Graeme has been treading the boards for the last 16 years and has worked with most companies. His roles include Dodger in Oliver, the dentist in Little Shop of Horrors, Gerald in Me and My Girl. And Jacob Marley in Scrooge. Graeme and Theresa Puddefoot both run the successful youth theatre company "Why Not" and look forward to there 2007 production of Les Misarables.
Jacqueline Hannan
Jacqueline is an accomplished performer her main love being comedy. She has appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe and the Stand comedy club. She has had parts in two Scottish based films, and has appeared in various TV adverts and Scottish TV dramas. Although she has an extensive ray of experience this will be her first stage musical
Margaret Johnston
Margaret started in amateur theatre in 1993 as props and scenery assistant for Dalgety Players. Since then she has appeared in many plays, pantomimes and musicals across Fife. She has also appeared in TV dramas and as a supporting actor in film.
Kathryn Bowman
Kathryn has performed on stage since a very early age. She has been with a number of companies including CYT, Kingdom Musical theatre company, Starlight, and Dalgety Players, where she directs for the first time their 2007 pantomime. She has a great voice and the personality to match.
Jim Archibald
Jim is a seasoned performer, a fine singer and actor. One of Jims most memorable performances was as "Fagan" in the DMTC production of "Oliver". he has just recently been in the Anstruther production of "Irene", and will soon take part in their next production of "Oklahoma", playing the part of Aly Hakam.
Joseph Hannan
Joe is the eldest son of Jacqueline Hannan, and is also no stranger to the stage. He has performed with the Why Not Theatre company, Dalgety Players and will be starring as Valgen in the Why Not production of Les Misarables in their 2007 production. Sailor The Musical Journey is his first major stage performance to add to his goal of a stage career
Colin McPhail
Colin has performed with a number of local companies Lochgelly, Dalgety Players and now Dream Maker Productions. He was recently awarded the MBE by the Queen for his services to the local community. He has written a novel based on the local area, and he runs his own chauffeur executive car business called "Ocean Wheels", one of his cars is a 1935 Buick Sedan one of only two ever built that are right hand drive
Lindsay Toland
Lindsay started in the theatre at the age of 10 with Lochgelly Youth Theatre. She took part in Oliver, Bugsy Malone, Sound of Music, and The Wizard of Oz. her favourite part has always been as the White Witch in "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe"
Pamela O'Neill
Pamela has performed with Carnegie Youth Theatre over the years and has taken part in many productions. She really enjoys dance and Sailor the Musical Journey allowed her to explore a wide range of dance themes.
Suzie Docherty
Suzie as a member of Carnegie Youth Theatre has taken part in many shows. She loves the creativity of dance and the challenging dance routines of Sailor The Musical Journey is something she is really looking forward to
Rebecca Dudgeon
Rebecca first performed with Starlight Theatre Company in the Wizard of Oz and now regularly performs with Why Not Theatre company. She has had roles in Inspiration, Annie, Oliver and last years production of "The wizard of Oz".
Julie Dudgeon
Julie is the younger sister of Rebecca Dudgeon, and has an interest in both dance and theatre arts. She is a keen gymnast and is pleased to have been with her sister in a major stage show.
Taime Ventners-Scott
Taime has performed with Starlight Theatre Company and Kingdom Musical Theatre Company in various shows, namely Jesus Christ Superstar, and West Side Story. She is part of the Louise McLauchlan Dance School and was with the Sheena Crawford Dance school from the age of three where she learned ballet, tap and jazz
Yvonne Bell
Yvonne has been a member of Dalgety Players and has been guided by her mum (Irene Burt Director) from an early age and she posses a lovely voice and personality
Dot Paterson
Dot has been part of the amateur set up in the local area for many years. She has performed with Rosyth Musical Society and Kingdom Musical Theatre Company. Her bubbly personality shines through and as a ex naval girl she relished reliving her past days with Sailor The Musical Journey
Emma McNair
Emma started performing from an early age playing the part of the Virgin Mary in a school production. She took up tap and jazz at the age of seven and still continues to enhance her skills. She has done modern dance with Dance Ecosse and the Don't Stop Moving Group.
Lorraine Dobie
She was a member of Alyth Musical Society for twelve years and Rosyth and District musical Society. She has had lead roles in Rose Marie, Guys and Dolls, Carousel, and Me and My Girl. She regularly sings on the local circuit and charity events
Maureen Barclay.
Maureen is blessed with a beautiful voice and has appeared in many shows over the years namely, Anything Goes, 42nd Street, Fiddler on the Roof, Carousel, Me and My Girl, Oklahoma, Phantom of the Country Opera, and My Fair Lady
Sandra Falconer
Sandra joined musical theatre about three years ago and has overcome the disability of being profoundly deaf working to a high standard. As a dancer in the show it has proven to her that the stage is open to everyone. Shows to date are Cinderella, Robin Hood, Romeo and Juliet, and many variety shows.
Sarah-Jane Williamson
Sarah has been dancing since the age of four, and has appeared in over twenty productions in her home town of Blackpool, where also she appeared in two summer shows at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Sailor The Musical Journey is her first stage production since moving to Dunfermline
Nicola Rafferty
Nicola has had a love of dance and the theatre since she was young. Sailor The Musical Journey will be her first major production but with a wonderfull personality and her talent she hopes that there will be further opportunities in the future
Sarah Marks
Her first show was with the Yvonne Gray School of Ballet in Cupar Fife. She performed on many occasions with them. She is a member of Why Not Theatre Company and is looking forward to their 2007 production of Les Misarables
Lisa McFarlane
Lisa has studied at the Denise Borland stage and craft school in Edinburgh and has appeared with Starlight theatre company in varios productions. She has a fine voice and a big personality
David Beckett
David has a wide variety of experience, he has medals for dancing in Latin American, Ballroom, Jive and freestyle. He has appeared on stage in musicals and panto with Dalgety Players. David is also a bit of a linguist speaking latin, German, French and Spanish.
Abbie Sneddon
Abbie has come through the development of dance school and careful guidance from her drama teacher. Abbie shows a lot of talent in one so young and I feel has a bright future
Shirley-Anne Whyte
From the age of three to eighteen she passed all her exams in ballet. She has performed in many shows also alongside her mum (Irene Burt Director) and also posses a fine singing voice.
Stephen Christie
Stephen has come through the youth system and Sailor The Musical Journey is his first major stage performance. But he has shown that he has the talent to further a career on the amateur stage.
Chloe Webster
Chloe has a passion for dance and is currently attending Telford College in Edinburgh in dance and the arts. She has danced since the age of four and has passed all her exams in ballet, tap, highland, jazz, and contemporary
Steven Smyth
Steven has come through the youth system and has also attended a performing arts course at Adam Smith College. He has performed major roles with CYT and Kingdom Musical Theatre Company. In 2007 he will be performing as the crazy dentist in the Limelight production of Little Shop of Horrors.
Alex Collins
Alex is another of our youth development and has performed over the last few years with Dalgety Players
Jane McCafferty
Jane is new to the stage and has been encourage to try a major stage production after being with Dalgaty Players for the last couple of years. A fine voice and a great personality
Sailor-The Musical Journey
Is also dedicated to the memory
Of
Mike Lambert, Richard Davenport, Jim Mutch, John Balfour, Alex Muirhead Snr, Pipe Major Alan Dippie BEM, Robert Gardener Snr, Peggy Hamilton, Terry Miller Neil Chalmers.
ACT 1
" The Old Nickelodeon Sound
" Sailor
" Down By The Docks
" Let's Go To Town
" The Street
" Bumpety Bump *
" Sailor's Night On The Town
" Romance
" One Drink Too Many
" Quay Hotel
ACT 2
" Josephine Colbert (Josephine Baker)
" Give Me La Samba
" Two Ladies On The Corner
" Stiletto Heels
" Blame It On The Soft Spot
" Keep Off The Streets At Night
" A Woman Like Me *
" Checkpoint Charlie
" Stay With Me Now
" A Glass Of Champagne
" Girls Girls Girls
David Mutch
LeeAnn Dey
Jim Archilbald
Joseph Hannan
Jo McBreaty
Graeme Melvin
David Barclay
Andy Hamilton
Jacqueline Hannan
Steven Smyth
Lorraine Dobie
Colin McPhail
David Beckett
Kathryn Bowman
Sarah-Jane Williamson
Maureen Barclay
Pamala O'Neill
Suzie Docherty
Chloe Webster
Dot Paterson
Lindsay Toland
Lisa McFarlane
Stephen Christie
Derek Scott
Rebecca Dudgeon & Sarah Marks
Julie Dudgeon & Abbie Sneddon
Margaret Johnston
Jane McCafferty
Bill Blenman
Shirley-Anne Whyte
Sandra Falconer
Lindsay Toland
Dot Paterson
The one-off, amateur production for charity of 'Sailor The Musical Journey' by Bill Blenman should not be confused with the totally separate and different musical called 'Sailor', written by Roberto Trippini and Georg Kajanus with Barbie Wilde, from an original story by Georg Kajanus, lyrics and music by Georg Kajanus.
The rights for the music and lyrics by Georg kajanus in 'Sailor The Musical Journey' by Bill Blenman are not available for future performances. The script remains an original by Bill Blenman
