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³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Northampton is creating a musical film based on the stories and memories of people who have been part of Watford Gap services to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its opening.

Benjamin Till, renowned composer and filmmaker, has been asked to create the musical featuring people from the local community who have been part of the Watford Gap services over the years – telling their story through music and song.

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Northampton is holding open auditions at Weston Favell shopping centre in Northampton on Saturday 4 July from 10.00am where it wants to hear people's memories and stories of Watford Gap, however big or small, and where people are encouraged to try out for a part in the musical.

Benjamin will be at the shopping centre throughout the day gathering stories and holding auditions.

Benjamin grew up in Northamptonshire – so this is a subject that is very close to his heart.

Benjamin says: "I'm thrilled to be coming back to my home county to make Watford Gap: The Musical. Northamptonshire – and particularly its incredible county music system – is definitely the reason why I'm a composer today and I am keen to find out if the old spirit that I remember in the county still exists today."

Over the years the country's first service station has developed iconic status nationally and has been instrumental in putting Northamptonshire on the map.

When it first opened in 1959 Watford Gap was a revelation. People made special trips to enjoy the fine dining experience, with hostesses waiting on customers' every need. It was also the stopping point for some of the world's most famous musicians.

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Northampton is looking for people with memories or quirky stories about the service station – both from the golden days, when it was something of a destination in itself, and from more recent times. The station would love to find someone who met their future husband or wife there, or someone that remembers seeing a rock star turning up with their entourage or, simply, one of the people who used to go there for a good meal or a late-night coffee.

The station is also on the look out for singers and performers who would be interested in joining a special scratch choir. To be in the choir people need to be a confident/competent singer and need to be from Northamptonshire – or close enough to rehearse in the town once a week.

Singers who wish to be considered for a solo piece in the musical should have memories about Watford Gap, but those with great, character-filled voices and faces will also be very welcome.

Dancers, magicians, very good musicians, jugglers… anyone from the county – any age – with a skill that might help with the project are all welcome to attend the auditions.

Toby Friedner, Assistant Editor, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Northampton, says: "Who needs Carousel when you've got Watford Gap – The Musical! This is the biggest and most exciting project that ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Northampton has been involved in for years.

"We hope thousands of local people will join us in supporting it with their memories of Watford Gap and their involvement in the musical itself. This unique project will celebrate what has become an iconic place in the county, in a creative and exciting way."

More information can be found at bbc.co.uk/northamptonshire.

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Northampton broadcasts on 104.2 and 103.6 FM and online via ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iPlayer.

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