A TAVISTOCK pianist will next week celebrate a very special anniversary, as she takes to the piano for the 50th production staged by Tavistock Musical Theatre Company. June Burgess has been pianist with the company for every one of those 50 years ? she has never missed a show or concert in that time and next week?s production of the Mikado will be no exception. Peter Clements, chairman of Tavistock Musical Theatre Company, said June was ?marvellous?. ?I don?t know what we?d do without her,? he said. ?She always attends rehearsals with a smile and in all the time I?ve known her, I?ve never heard her complain. ?She?s so helpful, giving private tuition to principals if they require it, she?s a wonderful lady ? everyone loves June.? June was pianist for the first production by Tavistock Musical Theatre Company 50 years ago, The Mikado, which is the partly the reason the company chose the musical for its golden anniversary production. June, now in her 70s, said she was very much looking forward to next week?s show: ?It?s quite a different version, it?s modern, but it?s good I think ? I hope they?ll like it.? June, who has taught piano at Kelly College and Tavyside School, said she had loved her years with the theatre company. ?I?ve loved every minute really ? I wouldn?t like to think of missing my friends if I gave it up. It?s been my life, they are like a family to me.? June has provided the music for a wide variety of shows over the years. She could not really name a favourite, although My Fair Lady came near the top of the list ? and she particularly likes musical comedy shows. And although The Mikado was the golden anniversary choice, the show is not June?s favourite. ?I must admit I?m not actually a great Gilbert and Sullivan fan!? she said. Now, after weeks of hard rehearsing, she hoped the Tavistock audience would be happy with the results. The Mikado plays at The Wharf from October 25 to 29. For tickets, call the box office on 01822 611166.
