West End meets Bexhill

The Likes of Us, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber at the tender age of 17 with help from the then 21 year old lyricist Tim Rice, who would later win three academy awards for his work on Evita, The Lion King and Aladdin, was won by BLODS after a revolutionary move by Lloyd Webbers and the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), to release the musical to amateur theatres across the region.

The Likes of Us is the first show that Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote together over 40 years ago. Their collaboration has produced some of the best known musicals of recent times, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar. The Likes Of Us received its world premiere in 2005 at the Sydmonton Festival where Tim himself played the auctioneer.

Tony Gibbs, chief executive of NODA, said: "The Likes of Us is truly unique and we're delighted that BLODS has secured the rights to perform it, and that audiences across the south east will have the opportunity to see this wonderful performance."

Andy Mould, a member of BLODS last seen having his chest waxed for his role in their hugely popular summer show, South Pacific added: "A great many applications went in to NODA from across the country, when the announcement to release The Likes of Us was made. We were very fortunate to be given the opportunity to be the first amateur company in the south east region to perform the show.

"I'm sure the people of Bexhill will be thrilled that such a prestigious show, written by two of musical theatre's true greats, is coming to town."

The show tells the story of Dr Thomas Barnardo and his evangelical, entrepreneurial and philanthropic crusades to rescue children living on the streets.

Rehearsals are underway and BLODS will be performing The Likes of Us at the De La Warr Pavilion from November 18 - 21, with a share of the proceeds going to Barnardos.

Tickets are now on sale at the Pavilion box office on 01424 229111.

For further information visit www.noda.org.uk