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Writer's pictureTom Young

Adrian Mole musical returns to Leicester, celebrating 40th anniversary of Sue Townsend's book

It'll be on at The Little Theatre, September 20-24.

Zach Ball will star as Adrian Mole.
Zach Ball will star as Adrian Mole.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole (Aged 13¾) will be staged by popular amateur group Leicester Amateur Operatic Society (LAOS), three years after their sell-out run of Shrek: The Musical.


Adrian Mole marks the group's first production following a pandemic-enforced break, and their return to The Little Theatre.


Set in 1980s Leicester, and featuring an all-age cast of 25 members, the production has been in rehearsal since April this year.


The ages range from 13 (as Adrian would've been in 1982) to "as old as he would be now" - we'll let you do your own maths there...


With an infectious soundtrack, filled with fun, instantly likeable numbers, the story is a perfect blend of comedy and tragedy, the characters are loveable, even when they're villainous.


This is the ultimate feel good show - a beautifully crafted tribute to the books.


This is a musical for everyone, no matter whether you read the books in the 80s, watched the TV show, or have never heard of Adrian Mole before.


You will fall in love with this self-described intellectual teenager, his diaries, and his views on the world around him.

The cast is made up of Leicester Amateur Operatic Society members.
The cast is made up of Leicester Amateur Operatic Society members.

The show is an adaptation of the much-loved novel of the same name, written by born-and-bred Leicester author, Sue Townsend. It was first published in 1982, 40 years ago this year.


The musical was adapted by Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary in 2015, making its original theatre debut at Curve in Leicester, before a brief run on the West End in 2019.


Now, LAOS are bringing both Adrian and the show back to their roots.


"For me, the heart of the story is all about growing up, relationships and community," said director Joshua J Knott (aged 32¾).


"Be it a teenager helping out an elderly neighbour, a couple dealing with the sly guy next door, or your best friend stealing your girl. Caring for each other and our community is key."


LAOS produce shows for the community, starring members of the community. All performers are residents of Leicester or Leicestershire, and come from various walks of life.


The cast includes a father and son performing together, a newly married husband and husband, and children from local high schools.


Some members are new to the company, while the longest serving member has been in LAOS for 23 years.

The cast of local performers will be on stage September 20-24.
The cast of local performers will be on stage September 20-24.

This "amateur" theatre company are far from that, with one cast member already making their West End debut, while others have been in films, TV shows, and commercials, while others enjoy it as a hobby alongside their day jobs.


Sure to be a magnificent show, the production runs from Tuesday, September 20 to Saturday, September 24 (including a Saturday matinee).


Tickets are £17 (schools discount of £15 per ticket, with 1 in 10 going free), available online from The Little Theatre box office, or by calling 0116 255 1302.

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