Burlesque has come to Putney. For five months, members of Swanbank Music have been rehearsing weekly in the hope of pulling off a five star performance of Gypsy, a musical based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee.

Swanban is an independent music theatre company formed in 1982 by Bill Blenkinsop, Billie Stephens, Martin Chapple and Julian Mann and has raised £105,000.00 since 1984 for charities. Swanbank focuses on one charity a year and this year it is ‘Momentum’, a registered charity that helps children receiving cancer treatment in Surrey, and their families.

Gypsy has had toes tapping in Broadway, Chicago and the West End. As a film in 1962, it won the prestigious Tony Award for Best Revival. Now it’s West London’s chance to move with the groove.

Swanbank started rehearsals in May and has six public performances at the Putney Arts Theatre from November 4th-8th. Swanbank draws its casts from a strong pro-am group of thespians who work well collectively, and seeks to give each member the opportunity to make new friends in a friendly, but dedicated environment.

Swanbank relies on its patrons and supporters so that it can carry on its charitable work. If you would like to give support, Swanbank can be contacted at http://www.swanbankmusic.com/ .