Honk! – the musical

THAME Players present this heart-warming re-imagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling. This fully orchestrated musical tells the story of Ugly, an aesthetically challenged duck, who finds himself pushed out by the other members of the duck-yard, leading him into an adventure that will see him discover the true meaning of what it is to be different.

Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical (beating both The Lion King and Mamma Mia), this touching celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences with its sparkling wit and memorable score.

The cast includes 14 adults and eight children who play a range of delightful and less delightful characters, from frogs and geese to turkeys and mandarin ducks. Tom Mackriell, director of the Thame Players’ production, said: ” ‘Honk!  has been an exciting and fun experience for everyone involved. Each cast member has taken on all the challenges given to them with passion and confidence – their commitment and enthusiasm will ensure this production is a big success.

The Ugly Duckling (Kathryn Head) with Cat (Derek Witchell) in rehearsal

“This is my third time of being involved with Honk! and each time I find something new and exciting about it. The story carries such important messages about inclusion and diversity, especially important in today’s society, so I think that Honk! will always remain poignant and current. I can’t wait to see it on the stage here in Thame.”

The other works of British writing duo, Stiles and Drewe, have exploded around the UK over the last few years and include Mary Poppins, Half a Sixpence, Betty Blue Eyes (based on the film A Private Function) and the soon-to-open Wind in the Willows. Honk! is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face – no matter how horrendously ugly that smile may be.

Tickets cost £9 (concessions £8) and are available from Spear Travels, 01844 217228 or online from www.thameplayers.co.uk