Maple Lane - New Original Musical Coming to Bishop’s Stortford - Leah Gaskell
Show notes
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Leah Gaskell is part of Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company and is bringing something new to the stage this spring. For this production, she has written and is directing an original musical called Maple Lane, a project that grew out of the company’s collaborative spring show format and the trust it places in its own members to create.
In this conversation, Leah talks about what it means to go from performing in shows to writing one from scratch. She explains how Maple Lane follows the lives of different households across the course of a year, with stories of love, loss, healing and growth all crossing over in one neighbourhood. Alongside songs from lesser-known musicals chosen to fit the characters, the show also includes an original song written by Leah herself.
The episode also shines a light on the wider role of Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company in local life. Leah describes it as much more than a place to perform. It is a long-running community that brings together people of different ages and backgrounds, offers creative opportunities on and off stage, and gives people a space to build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.
Links
Maple Lane tickets
https://www.ticketsource.com/bishops-stortford-musical-theatre-company/maple-lane/e-jzygke
Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company
https://www.bsmtc.org.uk/
Stortford Spotlight
Billboard in Jackson Square
“Support local theatre. It keeps towns and people alive.”
Leah’s message is for everyone in town. Her view is that local theatre adds richness, creativity and connection to community life, but only survives if people actively support it.
Secret Spot
Bishop’s Cave - https://www.thebishopscavestortford.co.uk/
Leah highlights Bishop’s Cave for the atmosphere, the wine and cheese, and the fact it feels social without being overwhelming.
Local Legends
Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company - https://www.bsmtc.org.uk/
Leah gives a heartfelt shoutout to the company itself, saying it offers much more than a chance to perform. For her, it has been a place to meet like-minded people, grow in confidence and find opportunities she might never otherwise have had.
Support the Podcast
You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic