Details

Its 1927, the dawn of the age of sound in Hollywood, silent screen stars Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are the world's most famous (and consequently valuable) on-screen romantic couple. Off-screen, however, is a different story. Whilst the slightly dumb Lina mistakes the on-screen romance for real love, Don has no such interest. Don has worked hard, for many years, to get where he is today, with his former vaudeville partner Cosmo who provides the piano accompaniment to his silent antics in the studio. When Don and Lina's latest film is transformed, by the need for sound, into a musical, Don has the perfect singing voice but Lina cannot possibly be allowed to be heard - she has the perfect voice for an oil painting despite all the studio's efforts. Meanwhile, Don has fallen for clumsy aspiring actress Kathy Selden who doesn't seem to be won over by his stardom but who comes up with what seems like a perfect, if crazy, plan to save the picture. Containing some fabulous songs and some trully memorable dance sequences this is a real Hollywood feelgood story. In aid of The Lewy Body Society. Hosted by Julian Clary, Showtime Challenge 48-Hour Musicals brings together a cast of 100(ish) professional actors and talented amateurs, a 30-piece orchestra, and a hard-working production team. All giving up their time for the chosen charity, they pull together to produce a West End-standard all-singing, all-dancing musical in just 48 hours. Rehearsals start on the Friday night. None of the cast have worked together on the show before this time. Then 48 amazing, exciting, exhausting hours later, ready or not, it's showtime! The Lewy Body Society, established in June 2006 in the UK, was the first charity in Europe exclusively concerned with Lewy body dementia. Its mission is to fund clinical research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. It also raises awareness of Lewy body dementia among the general public and those in the medical profession and decision-making positions; and provides information resources for patients & carers. www.lewybody.org

Cast/Performers

Julian Clary (host)

Creatives/Company

Author(s): Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Nacio Herb Brown, Arthur Freed