Maltby Musical Theatre Group prepare for the “Big” one

Andrew Trueman and Brian Twigg on the “Big Piano” Credit: MMTG

The 1980s Tom Hanks classic gets the stage treatment at Rotherham Civic this month.

THE much-loved movie Big helped make a star out of a young Tom Hanks but he may just be upstaged in the memory by the huge toy shop piano.

Hanks’ boy-man Josh Baskin and toy tycoon Mr MacMillan (Robert Loggia) team up during the 1988 fantasy flick for a spontaneous keyboard performance topped off by Chopsticks.

And theatre-goers looking forward to seeing the moment recreated in Rotherham will be glad to hear the technology required is well in-hand.

DIY and electrics maestro Brian Twigg has been enlisted to bring the marvellous instrument to life when Maltby Musical Theatre Group perform Big: The Musical next month.

Alison Fenwick, of MMTG, said: “The scene has to be one of the most iconic movie scenes from the 80s.

“Whenever anyone mentions that film or plays Chopsticks, it instantly brings that scene to mind.

“So when we decided to perform the regional premiere of Big: The Musical this March at the Civic Theatre, we were faced with the challenge of recreating that famous scene.”

The musical adaptation of Big is relatively new to amateur theatre and as such there are no pre-made sets available to hire.

Undaunted after having previously built their own set for their 2016 production of 'Acorn Antiques, MMTG knew the task of recreating the giant floor piano would go way beyond their previous building work — but it didn’t stop them going Big!

Step forward Brian, the father of society member Alison Foster, whose construction and electronics talents brought to life the idea of a fully functional, 16f-long, light-up piano.

It took three months, nearly £700 in materials and a dedicated team to produce the finished product, while MMTG members Roger Hazelwood, Roger Sterling, Michael Cahill and Barry Foster pulled together the rest of the nostalgic set.

The role of adult Josh Baskin, played by Tom Hanks in the movie, will be played by Andrew Trueman, who has been involved in amateur theatre from a young age.

Playing opposite him as Billy Kopecki — Josh’s childhood friend, is Reiss Ward who, despite his young age, has already found a passion in theatre, having recently come off the national tour of The Full Monty.

Big: The Musical will be performed at the Rotherham Civic Theatre from March 12 to 16. Tickets are available from the Civic box office on 01709 823 621 or online at www.rotherhamtheatres.co.uk.