John's life moves to a different beat (From Barry And District News)

John's life moves to a different beat

A FORMER Barry policeman has found a whole new method for crowd control - by writing a hit musical.

Copper-turned-playwright, John Manders, is enjoying the success of his first musical play, 'Tickledom.'

Together with musical partner Matthew Brind, John is creating quite a stir in the theatre world, with some critics calling the duo the new Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice.

Forty-year old John spent 15 years in the Vale of Glamorgan police division, the first half based in Penarth and the last half in Barry.

Lecturing for the police force, and undertaking a PhD while he has been writing and directing this venture, John's love of music, drama and education are all combined in this play which was staged at Barry Memorial Hall last Friday.

He told the News: "I used to be a keen rugby player, capped in my younger days.

"I badly damaged my knee, and during the long months of recuperation I fell into amateur dramatics. That was over 20 years ago.

"Now Matt and I have created this musical we hope keeps the whole family enthralled."

While directing a group of young people in the Sherman Theatre, John met Matthew, 21, who is rapidly gaining credit as a composer, lyricist and musical director.

John added: "I don't know why we work so well together, but we do.

"We were in a bar during the Edinburgh festival last year, talking about our love of musicals, and came up with the idea of putting one together ourselves.

"Just 16 months later, and Tickledom went on tour."

He added: "It's been wonderfully received. We spent a night in Barry's Memorial Hall, and nearly 40 of my old colleagues came.

"Plus it's been commissioned as the Christmas pantomime for Cwmbran's Congress Theatre.

"So after it closes this week, we'll do some re-writing to make it more seasonal.

"It's been an unexpected success, so Manders Brind Productions will definitely continue!"