Why our members come back each year

MUGSS members return year after year. Here is what some of them have said about why.

Alex Langtree

Alex joined MUGSS in his first year, and played Knuckles in Bugsy Malone

I joined MUGSS after finding out about them at the freshers fayre. I was looking for somewhere to continue my amateur dramatics while I was at uni after leaving theatre school. Originally I thought I might need to audition to get in but MUGSS strive to put as many people on stage as want to be. There's no experience needed but what is useful is that you're able to have a laugh.

My first show was Bugsy Malone (not by G & S, I know) and I played 'Knuckles'. It was a great laugh and even when things went wrong (oops! wasn't supposed to tell you that) we just carried on and had a good laugh off stage. The fun doesn't stop there though. As many "Mugssians" will tell you there is normally a social event every time we meet up for a rehearsal etc. and that includes show nights (although it's not advisable to drink too much on those nights). MUGSS are a great bunch and I'm really glad I joined. I would recommend it to anyone, no matter how much experience they have.

Gwyneth Jones

Gwynnie joined MUGSS in her first year, and was an enthusiastic member of the Mikado Chorus.

I was first attracted to the MUGSS stand at the Fresher's fair by the big sparkly sign, and the promises of a free wine evening, followed by a trip to Jillys. Wine and rock music sounded like a pretty amazing evening. However, tragedy struck and I lost the flyer giving details of the evening. I had, by then, given MUGSS my email address, and so for the next few weeks was sent all the details regarding their rehearsals and auditions.

These were my early university days, and I had wanted to get involved with drama and theatre. Sadly I believed that the 'other' drama societies were the best place to get involved, as Gilbert and Sullivan sounded a bit, well, classy. I mean, G+S - it brought to mind images of tweed jackets, sitting around tables with cigars, discussing the finer points of operatics. It didn't seem like my idea of fun.

After failing to get a part in any drama plays (*sob*), I started to consider this MUGSS thing. I was received approximately a few emails afrom them, and they said that I didn't have to audition to be in the chorus' mulling it over, I walked down to the library (it's this big building behind the Refectory with books in it) and was accosted (sorry, approached) by a jolly fellow with leaflets, asking whether I'd like to be in a show. Lo and behold, it was the MUGSS show, so I took it as a sign that I should go along to a rehearsal.

The first rehearsal was scary as I had missed the first few and had no idea what was going on. The music was a bit more complicated that your average musical theatre material, and we were being taught a strange dance. This is when I discovered that the show was being directed Bollywood style, although it is set in Japan. This is also when I realised that MUGSS was full of nutters, which meant that I would fit in perfectly.

A few weeks later and I had made lots of friends, learnt a lot of dances and songs, and was having a lot of fun. Don't be fooled, people — MUGSS folk are amongst the most fun and friendly people you will meet at Uni, and possible have more socials than rehearsals. If many themed parties, curry nights, Christmas and Summer balls, random pub crawls and the occasional show (featuring a huge gold elephant!!) are your thing, then give MUGSS a try. Just be warned — once you do your first show, you wont want to leave.

Will Lindsay

Will joined MUGSS in September 2005, gaining one of principal roles in Utopia Ltd. When not being a stage-baddie, he's a Law with Politics student.

I joined MUGSS in the first couple of weeks in my first year. It attracted me because I had previously been involved in a lot of musical theatre, straight acting, and way too much singing than was good for me. I had never done or knew about any G and S though but I can say that didn't matter at all. If you're remotely interested in any aspect of putting on a show from crewing in it to staring in it MUGSS is for you.

The best thing about it is the fact that it's the most fun atmosphere I have ever worked in. Imagine something that's a little akin the Muppet Show (With more talent obviously). Good people, weekly socials, parties, and the best taste in alcohol this side of Watford Gap service station.

I like the fact there's a huge range of talent in the society but nobody new to musical theatre has any reason to be put off joining in. Having a go is strongly encouraged and we really did put on two great shows this year. I'm also returning next year for the very shallow reason that my costume this year was by far the greatest thing I've ever wore on a stage. You can't really beat the panto baddy look to really have a laugh. All in all I suggest you look round the website and hopefully see what a nice bunch of people we are.