Show Archive
Over the years, Ensemble Theatre Company has produced a wide variety of shows, from musicals and plays to murder mysteries and festive productions. Our past productions showcase the creativity, dedication and talent of our members, as well as the wonderful support of our audiences and community. Take a look through some of the shows we’ve brought to the stage and the memories we’ve created along the way...
The Claus of Death DEC 2025
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!
Following the success of our 2023 musical murder mystery, we returned with another festive theatrical treat: “The Claus of Death?”, written once again by our own Suzy Devey (Neal).
Set on Christmas Eve at the North Pole, the elves are enjoying a well-earned break while Father Christmas is out delivering presents—until a shocking murder rocks Santa’s workshop! Detective Humbug investigates as a group of suspicious elves bicker, blame each other and try to hide the truth behind the death of poor Randolph the Red Nose Intern.
Packed with quirky characters, festive songs, and plenty of mischief, the sell-out audience helped solve clues and question the suspects. The feedback was fantastic, and special thanks go to Suzy for bringing another wonderful show to the stage.
9 to 5 the Musical JUNE 2025
With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick, 9 to 5 The Musical is based on the classic 1980 film. Set in the late 1970s, the story follows three coworkers... Violet, Judy and Doralee... who, pushed to their limits, take revenge on their sexist and egotistical boss, Franklin Hart. When Hart becomes “otherwise engaged,” the women transform their workplace and take control of the company that had always kept them down.
Directed by Suzy Neal, with musical direction by Dan Neal and produced by Amy Vickerman with support from the committee, the production was a huge undertaking and perhaps our best yet.
Our sell-out audiences were full of praise, and the cast and crew were incredibly proud of the talent and dedication shown on stage. More than just a musical, 9 to 5 is a story of strength, solidarity and standing up for what’s right.
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Finding Christmas Reimagined DEC 2024
Originally written by our own Suzy Neal, Finding Christmas returned by popular demand with a refreshed script, new themes and characters. At its heart was the story of two sisters who, after difficult life experiences, had lost both their love of Christmas and their bond with each other.
When the lovable Fairy Godmother discovers that Christmas spirit is fading from Eleanor and the town, she sets out to help everyone rediscover the joy, kindness and magic of the season. Filled with lively sketches, songs, dances and plenty of festive mischief, the show was both hilarious and heartfelt.
A joy to rehearse and perform, the production received fantastic feedback from audiences and across social media. Huge congratulations to writer and director Suzy Neal, co-director Matt Hilton, musical director Dan Neal, DSM John Dormer, and the wonderful committee and production team: Amy, Sam, Laura and Jenni.
After all…
Christmas is forever, it’s not just for one day,
For kindness sharing and giving cant be put away,
Like lights and bells and tinsel in some box upon a shelf,
The good you do for others, is good you do yourself.
Backwards Broadway JUNE 2024
Written by our own Suzy Neal, this show was inspired by “Broadway Backwards” which began as a grassroots concert performed at The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Centre in New York in 2006. It saw Broadway stars celebrate great musical numbers by retelling them with gender roles reversed, and it was so successful that the event quickly grew and now is performed every year in a Broadway theatre, raising thousands of pounds for charity.
Ensemble Theatre Company performed a range of beloved musical hits from popular musical shows such as Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chicago, Grease and South Pacific... to name a few. Only in this show the idea of gender was removed entirely, with women and men singing numbers they would never usually have the opportunity to!
The sell-out audience were blown away by the wonderful show and the generous reviewer couldn't compliment us enough! This show was a blast to perform and rehearse.
Twas the Knife Before Christmas Dec 2023
It's hard to know where to start with this festive extravaganza of music, murder and merriment! Perhaps the best place is to celebrate our sell-out audience! With unprecedented ticket sales, this show proved to be a favourite of our audience's both old and new! Written and directed by our very own super talented Suzy Neal (Devey), Twas the Knife Before Christmas combined much-loved Christmas music hits with a murder mystery! Set backstage at a budding theatre company, the performance saw the cast thrust into the spotlight even more than usual as they became suspects of a gruesome murder.
What ensued was a hilarious production that had audience's laughing their socks off whilst trying to unravel the mystery and reveal the guilty party!
As the audience left each night they couldn't speak highly enough of this wonderful show and the fabulous cast, crew and front of house team which made it a night to remember for everyone involved!!
Sweet Charity June 2023
On Friday 16th and Saturday 17th June 2023, ETC performed the hugely popular musical Sweet Charity. Inspired by Federico Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria, the show follows the turbulent love life of Charity Hope Valentine, a hopeful but unlucky dance hall hostess searching for love in New York City. Featuring a vibrant 1960s score by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and a book by Neil Simon, the show captured the humour, energy and heartbreak of life in the big city. Musical highlights included “Big Spender,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” “Rhythm of Life,” and “Baby, Dream Your Dream.”
With a talented cast of 12 tackling multiple roles, harmonies and choreography, the production was a huge undertaking and a great success. Audiences praised the professionalism of the cast and the dedication of the direction and production team.
This amateur production of Sweet Charity was presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Tam-Witmark LLC.
The Flint Street Nativity December 2022
On Friday 16th and Saturday 17th December 2022 we performed the hilarious and brilliant comic play 'The Flint Street Nativity' by Tim Firth. Adults played children in this fun, warm, witty play with music! Directed by Amy Vickerman, Produced by Fran Gould and assisted by Suzy Neal with Musical Direction by Daniel Neal it was a wonderful performance presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.
Mizzis Horrocks' class of seven year olds are about to perform their nativity play at School for the proud mums and dads - and the occasional social worker. Squabbles arise and chaos ensues! 
This was a very popular show - with unprecedented demand for tickets meaning increased capacity tickets being released and selling out each night. The feedback from audiences was overwhelming, with many taking to social media to comment on what a wonderful production it had been. The local reviewer stated it was "a wonderful evening had by all who attended" with others writing things such as it was "brilliant", "amazing" and"so funny I nearly cried".
Blithe Spirit June 2022
Blithe Spirit – June 2022
In June 2022, ETC performed Noël Coward’s classic comedy Blithe Spirit. This witty three-act play follows novelist Charles Condomine, who invites an eccentric medium to conduct a séance as research for his next book—only to accidentally summon the ghost of his mischievous first wife, Elvira. Chaos soon unfolds as the living and the spirit world collide, creating a fast-paced comedy full of sharp dialogue and supernatural mischief.
The production was a huge success, with audiences praising the humour, strong performances and wonderfully professional set design. With plenty of lively moments and quick-witted exchanges, the talented cast brought Coward’s much-loved comedy to life and delivered a truly entertaining show.
Thank You for the Musicals April 2022
On Saturday 2nd April 2022, following a global pandemic, we took to the stage to perform our first musical themed show in over 2 years. Thank you for the Musicals was a one night extravaganza which featured numbers from numerous popular West end and Broadway musicals. The wonderful cast performed songs from shows such as Cabaret, Six, Chorus Line, Oliver and many many more! The sell-out audience couldn't have been more supportive and complimentary and we were so pleased to come back with such a bang! Well done to all involved and thank you to our audience for the rave reviews!

Click on an image to enlarge it.
An Elizabethan Execution | December 2021
An Elizabethan Execution, a Blackadder-inspired murder mystery, marked our first live performance in two years—and what a wonderful show to return with.
Set in the late 1500s during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the story followed the chaos that unfolds when a royal celebration is interrupted by the discovery of a dead body. Was it an order from the Queen, a terrible accident, or something far more sinister? Guests joined Queen Elizabeth and her colourful court to uncover the truth, enjoying a delicious meal alongside a brilliantly funny performance from the cast. The production welcomed new members and delivered a lively, entertaining evening for packed audiences.
As always, our fantastic front-of-house and backstage teams worked tirelessly to support Amy and Fran and ensure the night ran smoothly, creating a wonderful atmosphere that audiences praised as much as the show itself.
A Criminal Christmas Caper | December 2019
Our final show of 2019 was a murder mystery extravaganza! The hall was transformed in to The Belfrey Hotel and from the moment the audience entered they were greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Bookin, who retain a small staff and strive for a family atmosphere (in other words, there’s lots of arguing).The Bookin’s welcomed local residents for a Christmas themed buffet! Unfortunately, at the start of the festivities, the man supposed to be playing Santa for the evening is discovered dead in his room. Ruling out food poisoning, it can only mean one thing: Santa has been murdered!
An absolutely brilliant evening where audience watched the hilarious faulty towers-esque scenes unfold and even have the opportunity to ask the suspects questions and guess who the murderer is! The cast were outstanding, and the feedback was wonderful. Directed by the talented Amy Vickerman; this show was a rousing success and a thoroughly enjoyable evening all round.
Showtunes and Showman | October 2019
In October Ensemble Theatre Company produced a fabulous show with Act One showcasing popular musical theatre numbers and Act 2 including a Greatest Showman singalong. With only a 10 week rehearsal schedule it was a very busy time but as always the show was outstanding and the sell out audience thoroughly enjoyed the toe-tapping medley of songs. In the interval the audience were treated to a delicious cake buffet with all donations amounting to £120 given to the Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital.
Thank you to the dynamic duo Suzy Neal and Matt Hilton for directing and producing this fabulous show which was then invited to be performed at St Catherines Church in Burbage- another fantastic evening!
Be Our Guest | June 2019
In June Ensemble Theatre Company produced a fabulous dinner theatre experience which showcased popular musical numbers from family films and shows. Main meals were provided by the Fleckney Fish Bar and the audience were treated to a delicious second course of cake, courtesy of the talented Amy Vickerman. Directed and produced by Suzy Neal, the cast sang their way through huge numbers under the expert guidance of Musical Director Dan Neal.
 Dances were bigger, more complex and more ambitious than ever before and the talented and dedicated cast certainly rose to the challenge! It was a fun-filled fabulous show and the feedback from sell-out audiences was once again incredible! Congratulations to everyone involved... what a show!!
Steel Magnolias | Dec 2018
In December, by special arrangement with Samuel French, Ensemble Theatre Company performed Robert Harling’s much-loved play Steel Magnolias. Directed by the wonderful Dan Neal, this moving story of love, loss and friendship was brought to life by a talented six-person cast.
With a challenging script, demanding accents and powerful emotional themes, the cast and production team worked incredibly hard to do the play justice—and the results were outstanding. The production received wonderful feedback from audiences, with many praising the acting, the set and the emotional impact of the show.
Audience members shared comments such as:
“The acting was excellent, the set was very effective and there were a few emotional tears amongst the audience at the end… highly recommend it.”
“I have finally stopped crying! You were all amazingly fabulous… well done!”
“What an amazing play! Such a talented group… just fantastic!”
“Very moving yet funny and heart-warming. A perfect evening out!”
Film and TV Concert | Oct 2018
In October 2018, 16 of Ensemble Theatre Company’s members took part in a charity Film and TV themed concert with our dear friends at Sing Ladies Choir and Purple Pig Music. After performing solo, duet, group and chorus numbers and popular sketches from tv and film; ETC then came together with the choir to perform a beautiful rendition of ‘From Now On’ as our finale.
The whole show was a lot of fun and a rousing success... raising £1175.00 in total in one evening! The money was divided between the Fleckney Village Hall and LOROS Hospice equally. As always we thoroughly enjoyed acting, singing and dancing alongside the wonderful choir led by the talented Katie Robertson! We look forward to many more events like this in the future and thank our sell-out audience for their generosity and support!
Encore | June 2018
ETC’s summer show Encore was a celebration of the magic of West End musical theatre. Featuring singing, dancing and sketches, the production showcased favourites from shows such as Little Shop of Horrors, Sweet Charity, Wicked, We Will Rock You, Chicago and Les Misérables.
With 27 musical numbers, multiple dance routines, over 140 costumes and an impressive technical production, Encore was a huge undertaking for the cast and crew. Directed by Suzy Neal, the show highlighted the dedication and passion of everyone involved.
The performances were a great success, with audiences giving fantastic feedback and praising the talent and energy of the cast. Encore remains one of ETC’s most polished and memorable productions.
Finding Christmas | December 2017
Our festive show Finding Christmas, written by our very own Suzy Neal, was a joyful celebration of the Christmas season and a firm favourite with both cast and audiences. Packed with lively dance numbers, brilliant solos and hilarious sketches, the show delivered plenty of festive fun.
The story followed Eleanor, played by Emily Haycock, who—with the help of the Christmas Fairy Godmother (Laura Stone)—set out to rediscover the true spirit of Christmas. Along the way the audience enjoyed everything from comic Nativity sketches and a Twelve Days of Christmas parody to well-loved songs such as Rocking Around the Christmas Tree and Scrooge.
The production received fantastic feedback from sell-out audiences and was even performed again at Foxton Locks to raise funds for Fleckney Village Hall.
Audience members said:
“Really great show. Very well thought out scenes that worked perfectly together.”
“A great show with a talented cast. Loved it all. Well done everyone – a super Christmas experience.”
Death on the Prom | September 2017
Ensemble Theatre Company proudly presented the Red Herring murder mystery Death on the Prom, directed by the very talented Amy Vickerman—who was also an impressive 38 weeks pregnant during show week!
Set in the roaring 1920s, the story followed the Balderdash family as they joined the crowds heading to the British seaside for some fresh air and holiday fun. Unfortunately, their visit coincided with a rather gruesome murder… leaving everyone asking the question: whodunnit?
Audience members were welcomed with seaside games, music and a lively raffle and guests enjoyed a summer-themed three-course meal, including fish and chips from Fleckney Fish Bar, and had the chance to question the suspects themselves.
The event was a huge success, receiving wonderful feedback from audiences and reviewers alike. We were then delighted to be invited to perform the show again in Burbage.
One audience member who was new to ETC summed up the evening perfectly:
“An amazing evening being entertained by ETC. I laughed till I cried and had my brain fried and still got 2nd prize on the murder mystery! Everyone worked tirelessly to keep us entertained, fed, clean and watered. Thank you for a fantastic evening.”
After Dark | June 2017
ETC’s summer show After Dark was written by our very own Dan and Suzy Neal and followed the story of Nina, a polite young woman who finds herself in a run-down area filled with rebellious bohemians. Packed with cheeky musical numbers from television, film and musicals, the show was a light-hearted, adult-themed romp that the cast loved performing. The production brought together humour, lively choreography and plenty of mischievous fun. Rehearsals were full of laughter as the cast embraced songs that were usually far too risqué for a typical variety show.
The production also had its share of behind-the-scenes drama when Hannah, who played Nina, was unexpectedly taken into hospital shortly before the show. In true ETC spirit, the cast and crew pulled together, with Suzy stepping in to learn the lead role in just ten days. Hannah was still able to perform one of Suzy’s previous songs during the show, and both performers did a wonderful job.
With fantastic scenery, great costumes and brilliant audience feedback, After Dark was a huge success. Congratulations to Dan Neal for his direction and production, and to the fantastic production team.
Felons, Flappers and Foul-play | Dec 2016
Ensemble Theatre Company's Christmas show was a dinner theatre murder mystery experience at Foxton Locks Inn and The Waterfront restaurant in Market Harborough. Set in 1920's Chicago audience met our characters and witnessed a murder (or two!). Audience saw story-lines and secrets unfold with the opportunity to question the suspects, and at the end guess who the murderer/murderers are. All this whilst enjoying a delicious three-course Christmas meal followed by coffee. The show was a sell- out every night and feedback from our audience was that it was a brilliant evening with wonderful food and fun-filled entertainment. In fact it was so successful we have been asked to perform it once more in Burbage next year! Well done to
everyone involved and a big congratulations to Amy Vickerman for having such a hugely successful debut as a director!!
Halloween themed Afternoon Tea | Oct 2016
A mere 4 weeks after our James Bond Show, Ensemble Theatre Company hosted and performed at a Halloween themed afternoon tea. Our members made all the delicious items on both the savoury and sweet platters and our audience were treated to an array of goodies to eat, a trick or treat raffle and of course various Halloween themed performances. The short turnover and combination of performing, serving and cooking/baking various delicious items was a lot of work for our members but the day was yet another hugely successful event for our group! We had a lot of fun and due to its success
will most likely host an afternoon tea in the future.

Shaken not Stirred | Oct 2016
On October 1st 2016 for one night only Ensemble Theatre Company performed in collaboration with the Sing Ladies Choir. A one off concert themed around all things Bond... James Bond. We welcomed 6 new talented members for this show to join the existing 11 performers on stage and we were delighted to see various resting members in the audience supporting us! The choir as always were a pleasure to work with and produced stunning harmonies led by the brilliant Katie Robertson.
With only a 10 week rehearsal schedule and 16 different dance, singing and acting numbers to tackle we were lucky to be led by the experienced Fran Gould as our director and producer.
With various fantastic songs, dances and scenes the night was a fun-filled evening and the feedback from our sell-out audience was wonderful.
The Wiz | June 2016
In the summer of 2016 under the direction of our own Suzy Neal and with special arrangement with Samuel French, Ensemble Theatre Company decided to take on their most ambitious project to date! The Wiz is the 7 time Tony Award winning musical. A beloved Broadway gem, The Wiz infuses L.Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with a dazzling mix of rock, gospel, and soul music.
This big show was a huge and ambitious undertaking for our fledgling group and our small cast and production team worked tirelessly over the 6 month rehearsal period. With over 52 different roles,
over 60 costume changes, 39 music cues, 19 dances... we had our work cut out!
But with sell out audiences and incredible feedback the finished production was a rousing success! It was a proud moment for our theatre company and a show that the cast thoroughly enjoyed being part of!
A Quantim of Malice | Dec 2015
In December the ETC gang continued with their busy performance schedule by performing three Murder Mystery dinner theatre Nights at Foxton Locks Inn and the Waterfront restaurant. The sell-out audiences were treated to a night that saw an attempt at peace talks between MI6 and criminal organisation SPOOKTER! After witnessing two murders over the course of the evening and various hilarious and intriguing scenes the audience had the opportunity to question the suspects before guessing who the murderer was! All this excitement was interspersed with a delicious Christmas 3 course meal! As always the feedback from the shows was very positive and the cast had a lot of fun during rehearsals and performances! This was our first Murder Mystery as a company but with the huge success it was most definitely not our last!!!
A Taste of Halloween | Oct 2015
At the end of October, ETC created a unique dinner theatre experience in partnership with Foxton Locks Inn and The Waterfront Restaurant in Market Harborough.
A Taste of Halloween combined a three-course meal with a variety of musical numbers, performed between courses. The three-night run began at Foxton Locks Inn, moved to The Waterfront Restaurant the following evening, and returned to Foxton for a final sell-out show on Halloween night.
Embracing the spooky theme, the show featured songs and sketches including the opening number This is Halloween and a high-energy finale mash-up of Michael Jackson’s Thriller and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Heads Will Roll. After months of rehearsals perfecting choreography and harmonies, the cast delivered a truly “spook-tacular” performance.
Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the professionalism, energy and enjoyment shown on stage. The show was a fun and unique production—and a huge success.
Fundraiser | Oct 2015
Over it's first year, Ensemble Theatre Company made Fleckney Village Hall its home, meeting there regularly to rehearse, share copious amounts of tea, and enjoy each other’s company. As a venue we value greatly, we were delighted to support a fundraising event to help with hall renovations.
Alongside our Halloween rehearsals, we prepared a special performance for the event, collaborating with the talented Sing! Ladies Choir and Duckpond Players. ETC performed sketches and musical numbers from Spamalot, Sister Act, Rock of Ages and Miss Saigon, as well as a unique “Cup Song” performance that took the audience through music from the 1940s to today using only the rhythm of cups.
The evening was a great success, raising £1,120 for the hall. We were proud to be part of the event organised by Katie Robertson and thank the sell-out audience for their support.
West End Story | May 2015
In May 2015, Ensemble Theatre Company performed in collaboration with Sing! Ladies Choir to present a one night only musical extravaganza: West End Story.
Bringing together a host of West End shows both old and new, we sang, danced and acted our way through some fabulous numbers from Chicago, Little Shop of Horrors, Evita, Matilda, Chess, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Sister Act, to name but a few.
We would like to say a huge thank you to our sell out audience who came to see our show and gave us a standing ovation!!! We hope you all had as fabulous a night as we did!
We would also like to thank Katie Robertson and the Sing! Ladies Choir who sang wonderfully and without whom this show would not have been possible.
Huge thanks must be given to John Beynon for a sterling job with Lighting and Sound. Our first ever show was a huge success!!