Never one to shy away from a challenge, the Pump House Children & Youth Theatre has turned its talents towards a new original musical about time travel.
Timeless is written and directed by long-time volunteer Karen Rhodes and features a stunning time portal, big band-style music, dazzling dance numbers and more costume changes than a Lady Gaga concert. George Nott catches up with Karen before the show.

So, Karen, what is Timeless all about?

Timeless is a time travelling musical set in 1924, when James Harbinger, an eccentric scientist, disappears! Ten years later his son discovers his secret and
vows to find him. Surprises await in an ancient Egyptian tomb, the court of Queen Elizabeth I, the Wild West and World War Two.

How did you come up with the idea?

I was looking to write something larger than life, fun and exciting. I’ve always been interested in history, particularly ancient Egypt.

Time travel is an ambitious concept for any production – why did you go for it?

Time travel is nothing original I’ll admit, the concept has appeared in all manner of fiction – books, stage, TV and film but it’s none the less fascinating. I asked myself: ’If I had a time machine, when or where would I go?’
And so it all began; months of research into time travel theories and my favourite eras – not to mention a visit to the British Museum to view The Book of the Dead.

Musicals are said to be among the hardest shows to stage – why did you decide to do one?

Good music brings a show to life. The chorus numbers also provide plenty of opportunity for a large cast.

What is it like directing the youth theatre?

It’s a pleasure directing the youth theatre, they’re a talented group and so we have double cast for the lead roles.
Putting on a new musical has its challenges as it hasn’t been tried and tested and we have had to make changes along the way. Fortunately the cast has taken this in their stride.

You’ve been with the group for more than a decade – why do you do it?

The Pump House gives opportunities to so many. A great deal of time and hard work goes into our productions but the sense of achievement is undeniable. As I watch our youth members perform confidently on stage, I remember many as shy eight year olds when they first joined the children’s theatre.

What have been the biggest challenges?

Travelling to so many different eras with a cast of 30 has really put our costume team to the test. The Egyptian mummies and Tudor costumes have all been made from scratch, the team have been sewing since September and amazed us all. The set design had to encompass all the different time-frames, and I take my hat off to our set builders and technical youth group, who have made this possible. I am so grateful for the huge team effort.

What can audiences expect?

Timeless is fun, quirky and unpredictable with some great toe-tapping musical numbers. The one-eyed Pharaoh Ahmentchop will make your skin crawl and the gunfight in Redemption Creek saloon will have you on the edge of your seat.

Timeless premieres at The Pump House Theatre, Local Board Road, Lower Watford High Street on Thursday, January 17 at 7.30pm. Performances on January 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26. Details: 05603 680958, www.pumphouse.info/CYT