Musical theatre performer of 40 years lends support to 'magical' show

Ian Gude has worked with Aled Jones, Ruthie Henshall, Lulu, and the cast of Coronation Street among many others

A renowned musical theatre expert and performer of four decades will be swapping high profile venues such as Abbey Road and the Royal Albert Hall to support a local troupe's latest “magical” production at Rotherham Civic.

RTSA Into The Woods cast with Ian Gude | RTSA

placeholder image — RTSA Into The Woods cast with Ian Gude | RTSA

Ian Gude – who has been involved with more than 200 theatre productions and also works in cabaret and concert as a conductor, pianist, keyboard player and arranger - is now a sponsor of RTSA (Rotherham Theatrical Student Academy) whose latest production is Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into The Woods.

A spokesperson for the youth musical theatre company, founded in 2002 by director and choreographer Dee Bennie-Marshall, said: “We are thrilled to share the lovely news that Ian Gude – as well as being a loyal fan of RTSA and Rotherham Civic - is a sponsor this year of the show.

“He is also going to be doing an award for all future shows - The Ian Gude Outstanding Contribution Award.

“Ian has been involved in the entertainment business for the last 40 years.

“Whilst he spends most of his time working in musical theatre, working on over 200 productions, he also works extensively in cabaret and in concert, as a conductor, pianist, keyboard player and arranger.

“He was musical director for Magic of The Musicals, touring the UK with concerts featuring Aled Jones and Ruthie Henshall amongst others.

“In recent years, he was honoured to assist Larry Blank, the musical director for the Olivier Awards at the Royal Albert Hall, on various Friday Night Is Music Night broadcasts, and in recording sessions at Abbey Road.

“Ian has worked extensively on tour with Cannon and Ball and also with entertainers including Lulu, Joe Brown, Leslie Ash, Bernie Nolan and the cast of Coronation Street.”

Talking about the latest RTSA show the spokesperson said: “With soaring music, sharp humour, memorable characters and powerful emotional moments, Into the Woods follows a baker and his wife as they venture into the forest in a desperate attempt to break a witch’s curse.

“Director and choreographer Dee Bennie Marshall and musical director Matthew Symonds are bringing together a talented group of young performers to create a production which promises to be magical, chaotic, heartfelt and irresistibly human with a few surprises waiting deep in the woods.”

The show runs from Tuesday, September 22 to Saturday, September 26.

To book tickets visit https://rotherhamtheatres.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173665739.