FEELGOOD ACADEMY to Premiere at Stratford Circus

The curtain is about to rise on the world premiere performances of Feelgood Academy, a new British musical that vibrantly mashes up the classic show-style of Gothic Opera with a thoroughly modern West End vibe.

At the Feelgood Academy of Performing Arts - a demanding drama school where the students are grafters...but also a tad naive (they think Gene Kelly is a woman) - two ambitious students put their friendship on the line in pursuit of a coveted role. Lucy is a self-assured singer and dancer who fancies herself a trouper (she's been in one West End show) and arrogantly considers herself a cut above her fellow wannabe hoofers. On the other hand, Amanda is good-hearted, sweet-natured girl...but riddled with self-doubt and plagued by dark voices who have taken root in her fevered mind. She's also cowed by her overbearing mother...who just happens to run the theatre school. Felicity Feelgood is a bullish martinet whose authority is often undermined by her weakness for malapropisms, yet still oversees her pupils - and particularly daughter Amanda - with an acid tongue whetted on a rod of iron. As the final terms starts, Lucy, Amanda and their fellow aspiring students are about to enter a competition for a place in a popular reality TV show, the prize being the starring role in the huge Gothic West End musical Motharotti. Unfortunately, the final decision is being made by the famously supercilious West End producer Bella Derrydown-Webb, a legendary theatrical impresario who has history with Felicity...plus a good memory. Just to crank up the tension, it's revealed that the Academy is in dire financial straits...and the highly-desired part in Motharotti could raise its profile...and save it from bankruptcy. Everything is riding on the two star pupils. Will Lucy's cavalier attitude to her craft cost her a chance of stardom? Can Amanda overcome her crippling lack of confidence and show what she's capable of?

Feelgood Academy, with Words and Music by Penny Lane and Glenn Keiles and Book by Steve Jones, Directed and Choreographed by Owen Smith, will premiere with three performances at Stratford Circus on Friday September 12 and Saturday September 13 at Stratford Circus, London E15.

Press are invited to review Friday September 12 at 7.30pm

The cast features Ashley Knight (who played Louis Walsh in I Can't Sing at the London Palladium), Heather Jackson (Madame Giry in The Phantom of the Opera), Jodi Steele (Carmen in the 25th anniversary UK tour of Fame) and introducing newcomer Faye Ellen.

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