“So there I am in rehearsal doing my best sexy moves to the song Lady In the Long Black Dress - and Lynne doesn’t even notice. She’s at the back of the room taking payments for BATS T-shirts!”
It’s an anecdote that perfectly sums up Richard and Lynne Bond’s relationship with Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society - and possibly with each other (at least in public!)
While Richard’s known for playing loveable characters like Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, Bob in Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Bill in Me and My Girl, Lynne has been more active behind the scenes in recent years, serving on the committee and organising social events.
Incredibly, Sister Act is the first time the Bonds have appeared in a show together for over 20 years!
“It’s very nostalgic” says Lynne. “It’s nice to be able to travel to rehearsal together - then chat about our evening in the car on the way home! But in fact we don’t really appear on stage at the same time at all! I’m playing one of the nuns, and Richard is one of the gangsters!”
Richard and Lynne met through BATS, and first appeared together in 42nd Street in 1995, when Lynne played Anytime Annie. She’s also played lead roles including Sally in 1997’s Me and My Girl.
Lynne and Richard Bond
“Then the last show we did together was a BATS cabaret in 2000, just after our eldest son Jack was born,” says Lynne. “I found it too much with working full-time as well, so I decided to stop. We then had our son Josh, and the years just go by don’t they?”
When their sons were older, Lynne was tempted back to BATS - funnily enough for their 2015 production of Sister Act - and loved being back on stage. She’s donning the habit again for the 2022 version.
Will the boys be watching mum and dad proudly from the audience?
“Oh yes they’re SO proud of us” jokes Richard. “Josh works for Anvil Arts now, so he’ll probably get to see the show at least once. Jack is coming back to see it too.”
Given some of the roles Richard has played, surely they’re beyond embarrassment now?
“They did come and see me in The Full Monty, so yes!”
So Mr and Mrs Bond, we’re expecting you to appear in many more shows together?
“No! This is my last show, absolutely!” declares Lynne. “Never say never,” says Richard. Watch this space…
You can see Lynne and Richard in six performances of Sister Act, which run from 17 - 21 May at the Haymarket, Basingstoke. Buy tickets online.