IT has been almost 25 years since BillBoard Ensemble arrived on the Barry arts scene.

BillBoard Ensemble, founded in 1996, has been entertaining the people of Barry and surrounding areas for 24 years this year.

Predominantly performing at the Barry Memo Arts Centre, in Gladstone Road, Barry’s premiere amateur dramatics company brings you West End vibe productions for a fraction of a West End ticket price.

Founder and director of the company, Jonathan Coombs said: “There is nothing amateur about BillBoard Ensemble.

“We are extremely lucky to have such an outstanding amount of talent across our adult and junior section.”

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Often staging firsts in the Vale area, BillBoard have wowed local audiences with hit shows such as: Anything Goes, Crazy For You, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Wedding Singer, Legally Blonde and the NODA award-winning Made in Dagenham.

BillBoard Ensemble has an outstanding track record of producing festive fun at their annual Christmas pantomime.

Often selling out, the pantomimes that include the adult and junior section, are bursting at the seams with well-known songs, tons of laughter and the jokes that still work after so many years.

Due to the coronavirus, rehearsals have been cancelled and productions have been rescheduled for 2021.

Being so used to seeing their ‘BillBoard Family’ at least once a week, the adult section has been coming together almost every night for a virtual quiz and sometimes a little sing-song.

The junior section has also been virtually rehearsing and participating in a weekly quiz.

Mr Coombs said: “It was extremely difficult to make the decision to postpone, but the safety of our members and audiences had to come first.

“I am certain that BillBoard will bounce back better than ever for our 25th anniversary celebrations in 2021.”

Both sections of the company are excited to release music videos during the week that their original shows were meant to go ahead.

Although restrictions have eased, it is looking highly unlikely BillBoard’s pantomime for 2020 will go ahead.

Next year, BillBoard Ensemble has two spectacular and exciting summer productions lined up.

The Junior section are set to perform Hairspray Jr in May and the adult section perform Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in July.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the “BillBoard Family”, the company is holding auditions for new members in January 2021 for both the adult and junior sections.

With almost 100 members, spectacular scenery and costumes, large orchestras and an abundance of talent, a BillBoard production is a feast for the senses.

Billboard spokeswoman and member, Alana Frassinelli said: “As always, BillBoard Ensemble are humbled by the unbelievable amount of support from their local community.

“Without our amazing audiences, we wouldn’t be able to continue to do what we love.

“Thank you all so much and we look forward to seeing you all very soon.”

Keep an eye out across their social media platforms.

For more information, and to express and interest in auditioning, visit Facebook @BillBoardEnsemble, Twitter @BillBoard_Barry and Instagram @billboardensemble