A new musical inspired by and featuring the songs of David Gedge and his iconic indie bands The Wedding Present and Cinerama is coming soon, with multiple members from Leeds Conservatoire’s School of Drama in its cast and creatives.
The show marks the 40th anniversary of The Wedding Present and their debut single. Set in 1980s Leeds, Reception is a bold and emotionally charged new musical from Perfect Blue Productions and Engine House Theatre, written and directed by Matt Aston. A story of love, loss, break ups and breakdowns, the show tells the story of a group of Leeds University friends who keep in touch over five years of trials, tribulations and life events.
It will debut at The Warehouse in Holbeck, home to theatre company Slung Low. Reception features a dynamic ensemble of actor-musicians, weaving a story of love, regret and reconnection through the unmistakable melodic force of Gedge’s music.
Zoe Allan
Zoe Allan (Musical Theatre, Class of 2025) plays Rachel. Rachel is a confident yet vulnerable graduate of Leeds University who, having experienced loss and pain early in life, has carefully planned a future of love and security. Or so she thought.
A passionate working-class performer from the North East, Zoe’s recent credits include Pippin, directed by Barbara Houseman, and When We Strike, an original musical developed by British Youth Music Theatre.
Amara Latchford
Actor Musician graduate Amara Latchford plays Sally, Rachel’s best friend. Sally’s loved university life but is ready for what’s next.
Amara’s credits include The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Tutti Frutti, 2024; The Polar Express (London Euston 20th Anniversary), 2024; The Storm and The Minotaur, Slung Low, 2025; All My Pretty Ones, Birmingham Rep, 2025.
Jack Hardy
Jack Hardy plays the local barman at the pub that hosts all the receptions - though no one ever gets his name right: Keir / Keith / Kevin. A political activist with big ambitions, he’s searching for his voice.
A Leeds-born actor and musician, and graduate of the conservatoire’s Actor Musician programme, Jack plays multiple instruments and is a prolific songwriter.
Matthew Bugg
Matthew Bugg, who teaches at the conservatoire, plays Dad to Rachel, and another character, Joe. He’s moved to Leeds to be close to them after a shared family tragedy.
Matthew is the creator of the hit musical Miss Nightingale and has worked as an actor, choreographer or composer on seven other West End shows including Zorro, The Secret of Sherlock Holmes, Dear Lupin, Our Man In Havana and Cirque Berserk. He has extensive experience as a composer, lyricist and musical director.
Reception cast and creatives from Leeds Conservatoire in rehearsals. Bottom row (left to right): Cara Novotny, Amara Latchford, Matthew Bugg, Marie McAndrew. Top row (left to right): Zoe Allan, Jack Hardy, Eleanor Doran
Helping to bring the show to life, as part of the ensemble, is Eleanor Doran; another Musical Theatre, Class of 2025 member. The ensemble, all emerging talents, will bring dynamic technique, fresh perspectives, and a youthful spark to the production.
Creatives include Musical Director Marie McAndrew and Assistant Director Cara Novotny who both completed postgraduate courses at the conservatoire: MA Musical Direction and MA Dramaturgy.
Reception is at The Warehouse in Holbeck (Slung Low) from Friday 22 August to Saturday 6 September.
