Watford Gap the Musical…
As a major element of Watford Gap’s birthday celebrations, BBC Radio Northampton kindly commissioned the production of a musical film, based on the stories and memories of staff and people who have been part of the services over the years.
Benjamin Till, renowned composer and film maker, who grew up in Northamptonshire, was asked to create the musical, featuring current and ex employees such as Dorothy Morgon, Gloria Stevenson and Colin Craggs, as well as people from the local community, all telling their stories through music and song.
Initial auditions took place on 4th July 2009 at Weston Favell shopping centre in Northampton, where, in addition, people were asked to come forward with stories of Watford Gap, some of which subsequently formed the basis of the musical itself.
For the chosen cast, the above auditions finally culminated in a number of days of studio recording, followed by 2 days of filming at Watford Gap itself, together with one memorable scene with a number of the cast members travelling up and down the M1 in an old London bus.
And so for the Premier of the musical itself, which took place at Watford Gap on the evening of 2nd November, to coincide with the service area’s 50th Anniversary. Invited guests including the stars of the musical and their family and friends, were treated to a buffet dinner, followed by speeches and an exclusive special viewing on giant TV screens. And the BBC definitely didn’t let us down either, with red carpet treatment as guests arrived and a major feature for the musical on the main BBC 6 O’Clock News, as well as BBC Look East.
For further information on the making of ‘Watford Gap the Musical’ and to view it in its entirety click on the special link below.
