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Thoroughly Modern Millie

Just controlling 50 adolescents every week would enough for most mere mortals. But oh no, Ian Richie is taking it one step further, having cast them all in Thoroughly Modern Millie opening at The Oxford Playhouse on Wednesday.

Under the umbrella of the Musical Youth Company Oxford, the 1920s musical is set to burst on to stage with an all-singing-all-dancing show. So how does chairman Ian cope?

"Well, put 50 teenagers into a room twice a week and you can imagine how it is," he laughs. "But they are pretty well behaved. And I love this job. It's fantastic and gives me the opportunity to really see to see how a show is put together on a public stage, which is a wonderful experience for me and I love every minute of it."

Most people would think Ian, 55, was stark raving mad to even attempt such an ambitious project, but this is, after all, the 20th anniversary of the MYCO, proving that it can be done, year after year.

Rehearsals began in October and the finishing touches are currently being added to ensure Thoroughly Modern Millie lives up to expectations.

Having been written in the Sixties, 40 years on from its setting in the equally vibrant and optimistic era of 1920's New York, Thoroughly Modern Millie has an edge that is not apparent in contemporary musicals.

It follows Millie Dillmount as she escapes her hometown of Salina in Kansas for the bright lights of New York City, where she is determined to marry her wealthy boss - whoever he may be.

In fact, the only problem Ian has is that there aren't enough boys for the parts, so all the musicals he chooses are female-led.

"Yes we have a majority of girls here, about two-thirds, so if there are any 12- to 18-year-old boys who want to audition, let me know," he said.

Box office: 01865 305305 or online at www.oxfordplayhouse.com

2:45pm Thursday 3rd April 2008

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