MUMS currently has a strong, ever-growing musical theatre community with strong links to the University of Manchester Drama Society and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

The Lion King

This term, MUMS will present a Lunchtime Concert (Friday 19th February) with a difference. Audience members (who get FREE tickets!) will be treated to a semi-staged, abridged version of the Disney classic - The Lion King. With a full SATB chorus, small orchestra, cast of actors and exciting new Production team, it is a MUST to get involved in or come to see! If a member, check your Sunday MUMSletters in mid-January for information on how to join the chorus or audition for a principle part. For more information, email lionking@mumusicsociety.co.uk.

Back to Broadway

Traditionally held at the beginning of Semester One, Back to Broadway is a great way to 'test-the-water' with musical material ranging from Queen to Lloyd Weber!

October 2009
Running for it’s third consecutive year, Back to Broadway was performed this year in the John Thaw Theatre, Martin Harris Centre. Songs included 'At The End of The Day' (Les Miserables), 'Keep it Gay' (The Producers) and a new Scrubs Medley arranged by Chris Roe, also the Musical Director. Under the direction of Olivia Howie, the intense three-week rehearsal plan was a great way for Freshers, as well as older students, to bond. For video clips of the production, please see our Interactive page.

2007 and 2008
Produced and directed by founders Jo Ryan and Amy Coombe, Back to Broadway first took place in the Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall in 2007 and moved to the John Thaw Theatre in 2008. The cast performed classics from Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera and Cabaret as well as hits from the new musicals Spring Awakening, We Will Rock You and Wicked!

Summer Musical

Every year, the Music and Drama societies at Manchester University join together to produce a summer musical, held at The Zion Arts Centre, Hulme. At the beginning of Semester 2, an application form goes out to all members who want to propose a musical.  If you have an idea, whether it be as a director, producer, set designer or performer, please apply for this fantastic opportunity as it could become real!


Past musicals include My Fair Lady (2009) directed by Alex Knox and under the Musical Direction of Chris Roe, Company (2008) directed by Olivia Howie, Emily France and MD Chris Roe and Sunday in the Park with George (2007) directed by Jo Ryan and Amy Coombe. Auditions are usually held before the Spring Vacation, and the bulk of rehearsals take place in the summer term.

Other Opportunities

If you have an strong idea for a musicals-based project, please do not hesitate to contact someone in the Music Society to talk it through and see if it’s possible. Last year, members put on a sell-out production of Sweeney Todd at the Zion Arts Centre, Hulme in February which earnt an excellent review in Student Direct – the official Manchester University newspaper. If you’ve got enough commitment, creative ideas and determination, anything is possible!