ORDINARY PEOPLE – A NEW MUSICAL BY MULTI AWARD-WINNING DARREN CLARKE

Ordinary People

31 May and 1 June 2025 | Farnham Maltings

Based on stories shared by local people that Darren has collected over the past two years, the production – produced by Farnham Maltings – features a cast of professional actor musicians and community performers who, together, capture the essence of life in Farnham through music and storytelling.

Local legends, memorable moments and funny stories all play a part, along with personal recollections and the impact of world history on the town.  From rag’n’bone man Charlie Wenham – whose horse needed no guidance to get him home after jolly nights in the pub – and the young men from Badshot Lea Amateur Brass Band who signed up for the Great War; to Susie, the shy, green fingered gardener who somehow found herself at the head of a community vegetable growing project, and the inspiring story of Harry and his mum whose lives were changed by Harry’s muscular dystrophy.  Ordinary People transforms these locally well-known tales and hidden treasures into a musical that paints a vibrant picture of Farnham present and past, and celebrates how everyone has a story that’s worth telling.

Darren Clark said: “The true stories that we’ve uncovered in Farnham are heartwarming, inspiring, hilarious and beautiful and it’s a real privilege to turn them into a wonderful new piece of musical theatre that I hope will represent the unique spirit of Farnham. Performed by a mix of professional West End actor-musicians and community performers, audiences are guaranteed a night of fantastic entertainment as well as a chance to learn something new about their town and community. I can’t wait to bring this musical to Farnham!”

The Ordinary People project is part of the Farnham Maltings theatre development programme, funded by Arts Council England, which brings theatre-makers and communities together across the South East region to develop new work and new experiences. The project launched in Maidstone, Kent, where Darren Clark worked with the local community to collect real stories from local people to create their Ordinary People show.  Following two sold-out runs in Maidstone, Farnham is now the second town to welcome the project.

Katy Potter, Executive Producer at Farnham Maltings, said: “This project is very special. What excited us most was how it genuinely celebrates the lives of people who live in the many small towns of our region. The process of creating a new musical with a world class composer has been hugely impactful for the communities Darren has worked with. Some have joined in the performance, others have shared personal stories or simply come along and celebrated as part of the audience. We’re excited to see the project roll out to further towns in the future”

For more information and tickets, visit farnhammaltings.com

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