Award-winning performing arts group Rickmansworth Players are excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for their annual musical: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard.

Sunset Boulevard is set in 1950s Hollywood and unravels a spectacular tale of faded glory, romance and anguish. The plot develops around has-been silent movie star Norma Desmond who longs for a return to the big screen. She meets struggling Hollywood screenwriter Joe Gillis in a chance encounter, and she quickly sees an opportunity for stardom - but tragedy lies ahead.

To celebrate Rickmansworth Players’ 75th anniversary, they are putting on a magnificent, large-scale production including a 21-piece orchestra, special effects, stunts, over 100 costumes and an exceptionally talented cast.

Acclaimed director Paul Skinner is hugely passionate about this musical, and his personal touches and flair make this performance especially original and thoughtful.

Rickmansworth Players have a long track record of supporting charities and in this special year wanted to support an extraordinary local charity with a special charity performance. The opening night of Rickmansworth Players’ upcoming show will therefore be a charity night in aid of Watford Peace Hospice with 20% of ticket sales being donated to the charity. Additionally, Rickmansworth Players are donating 50 tickets for the charity to raffle to raise money.

John Smit from Rickmansworth, who plays protagonist Joe Gillis, spoke about his favourite part in the show: “Ah, that’s a tough one. I should say Sunset Boulevard really, as that’s my big number, but I love the orchestration on the car chase scene. From a chorus perspective, the cast version of Auld Lang Syne at the end of Act I is fabulous, plus with the context of the story it’s even more poignant.”

With dramatic solo pieces, high quality acting performances, exceptional choreography, stunts and iconic chorus numbers, this musical has something for everyone.

Watersmeet Theatre, High Street, Rickmansworth, Wednesday, November 20, to Saturday, November 23. Details: 01923 711063 sunset2019.co.uk