This major reworking of the original 1973 show delighted audiences when it played in the Open Air Theatre, Regents Park in 1994. Adapted from the celebrated novel by Arnold Bennett, Denry Machin, a young, ambitious and extremely likeable character with a go-getting personality, tries to win over local ‘society’, outwit influential rivals, sort out his romantic entanglements, and make himself mayor. A very funny show, with catchy songs, including Moving On, How Do and Typical Machin.
We open with a scene set in Bursley Town Hall where Denry is being installed as Mayor of the town. In 18 flashback scenes we follow the career of Denry Machin from a lowly worker in the employment of of the unsavoury Mr. Duncalf. Denry has the necessary will to succeed, however. Seizing the moment, he purloins some tickets for THE society ball of the year. As these tickets are much coveted, he is able to exchange one for some dancing lessons with a pretty dance instructor, Ruth Earp. Another ticket he exchanges for suitable evening wear. In his new clothes, Denry cuts a dash, so much so, that he ends up dancing at the ball with the Countess of Chell.