Colin Gray Swaps his Drumsticks for the Conductor’s Baton

After 25 years and an incredible 52 shows “hidden away” at the Haymarket, Colin Gray is finally front and centre for BATS’ latest production, Rock of Ages!

“I’m not one for the limelight,” laughs Colin. “I like being tucked away, out of sight, in the pit!”

That’s the orchestra pit, where Colin has played percussion for those 52 previous shows. Now he’s picking up the musical director’s baton for Rock of Ages, which he describes as “full on ‘80s - on speed!”

Musical Director, Colin Gray

“It’s got a smorgasbord of classic rock songs,” Colin says, “including I Want to Know What Love Is, We Built This City, Wanted Dead or Alive, The Final Countdown and Waiting For A Girl Like You.”

“It’s the soundtrack of our lives, if you’re of a certain age!”

Colin’s role is to get the sound of the five- piece band and the cast’s vocals just right for this era of big hair and big rock anthems.

“It’s pretty complex vocally, as sometimes the ensemble are supporting the lead singers, while at other times they’re complementing the sound of the band. Plus there are difficult harmonies to master too.”

Colin has previously musically directed shows for Andover Musical Theatre Company, but being involved in staging a BATS show from the beginning is a new experience for Colin.

“It’s been great to get to know and work with everyone over a longer period, rather than just saying hello when I turn up for the band call the Sunday before a show starts! I’ve loved seeing how the director, Angus Jacobs, is bringing his vision to life and developing the characters in the rehearsal room.”

“And Rock of Ages is such a funny show too. I’m laughing out loud in rehearsals! I can’t wait for everyone to see it!”

See Rock of Ages from 14-17 May 2025. Evening performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Suitable for ages 14 and over. View show information and book tickets.

Bradleigh and Chloe are Rocking the 1980s Bangers

They’re the young couple at the heart of the jukebox musical Rock of Ages, with a string of ‘80s bangers forming the soundtrack to their on-off relationship!

Bradleigh plays Drew

Chloe plays Sherrie

Sherrie Christian is the new girl in Hollywood, an aspiring actress who’s taken under the wing of LA wannabe rock star Drew Boley.

In real life the roles are reversed. Chloe Ballard - who plays Sherrie in the upcoming BATS production - has been a member of the Society for ten years. For Bradleigh Hall, who plays Drew, it’s his first show with BATS.

“I came into the show quite late as I had the lurgy at the first audition, but Chloe’s really made me feel welcome,” says Bradleigh. “She’s amazing - she’s got a brilliant voice.”

Bradleigh studied performing arts at the University of Chichester and now works by day as a laboratory technician.

“At 5pm though the white lab coat comes off and the ‘80s wig goes on!” he laughs.

“Bradleigh is such a lovely addition to the BATS family” says Chloe. “He’s enthusiastic, so willing to learn and just soaks everything up. I’m learning stuff from him too - he’s got some great suggestions for our scenes.”

They’ve even got over the potential embarrassment of their characters sharing a passionate kiss.

“We did it for the first time the other day,” laughs Chloe. “It was a bit scary for both of us - but the rehearsal room is a safe space so we’re over that now!”

Bradleigh and Chloe deliver some powerhouse vocals in Rock of Ages, on hits such as Waiting for a Girl Like You, Harden My Heart and More Than Words.  

“Rehearsing this show, my voice has changed and improved,” says Bradleigh, who’s previously appeared in shows with Andover Musical Theatre Company.

“Before, it was more suited to traditional musicals with big operatic melodies, but now I’m learning new techniques to get that rock sound.”

“They’re big songs to sink your teeth into,” says Chloe. “I grew up listening to them as my Mum and Dad played them. They’re fun and upbeat but also have so much emotional depth. And it feels amazing when you smash those high notes!”

See Chloe and Bradleigh smashing it in Rock of Ages from 13-17 May 2025. Evening performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Suitable for ages 14 and over.  View show information and book tickets.

Rock of Ages auditions - Information for pre-audition workshops, audition dates and registration

If you are an adult aged 18+ and would like to join us to perform in our production of Rock of Ages here is the information you need about auditions.

The show will be performed at The Haymarket in Basingstoke from Tues 13 – Sat 17 May 2025.

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ACCESS AUDITION RESOURCES ONLINE: MEMBERS AREA

You must be a paid-up member to be able to access audition materials and the online audition form.

Access these resources by logging into your member account on the BATS website. If you are a new member, pay your membership online with a debit or credit card to gain instant access your account. Annual membership runs from 1 July - 30 June.

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Welcome talk

It is not mandatory to attend in order to audition:
Date: Mon 9 December: 7.30pm
Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG24 8LT

This is a chance to meet the Director and Musical Director. The Director will introduce the show, including the available characters and audition expectations and and also outline his vision for the production. You’ll also sing extracts from a couple of numbers with the MD.

Pre-audition workshops

You'll need to attend at least one pre-audition workshop to practice singing with the musical director (in groups and/or individually) and be taught the audition dance for ensemble or dancers.

Date: Wed 11 December - 7.30pm
Date: Mon 6 January - 7.30pm
Date: Wed 8 January - 7.30pm
Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG24 8LT

Auditions

The online audition form must be submitted by 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 January.

Dates: Saturday 11 January. Sunday 12 January for callbacks (if needed)
Time: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Venue: St. Mark’s Primary School, Danebury Road, Hatch Warren, RG22 4US

Performance Fee

If you are successfully cast in the show, a performance fee of £100 is payable no later than 13 April. You can pay in instalments - just talk to us to request this.

Outline rehearal Schedule

Cast will generally be called for rehearsal every Monday and Wednesday evening and on some Sundays. View the outline rehearsal schedule.