TAVISTOCK College graduates have produced a children’s musical based on a well-loved fairytale— with a twist.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff is the first project by Lost the Plot Theatrical — made up of Richard Brindley, his brother Jonathan Brindley and friends Edward Johnson and Luke Chambers.

Lost the Plot Theatrical was born after Richard, who is an actor, read about the Palace Theatre in Paignton being under threat.

Richard, who has just finished a tour of The Railway Children, said: ‘I got in touch with the manager at the Palace to see if there was anything I could do to help. She asked if we were interested in bringing a new show to Paignton — and from there Lost the Plot Theatrical was born.’

Richard, a former Tavistock College pupil, got his friend and producer Edward Johnson and brother Jonathan Brindley, who also attended Tavistock College, involved. They both work for Broadway and West End producer Adam Blanshay Productions as associate producer and assistant producer respectively.

Luke Chambers, who works in West End stage management, forms the final member of the team. Luke has worked on shows like Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera and is currently rehearsing for the world premier of Tina! The Tina Turner Musical which opens in the West End later this year.

Richard said: ‘With our combined skills and experience, I hoped that we could produce a great family show to attract new audiences to the Palace.

‘Regional theatre is so important nowadays and is such a good resource for the local community. I performed at the Palace before I went to train at the Royal Academy of Music and I am very fond of the theatre.’

For its first project, Lost the Plot Theatrical decided on a family show and chose The Three Billy Goats Gruff.

A new version with original script, music and lyrics was created by Richard and Edward for the children of today, featuring plenty of audience participation and will last about 50 minutes.

The music was arranged and orchestrated by Tom White, originally from Buckland Monachorum and another former Tavistock College student.

‘Pennywell Farm is sponsoring the show and will be bringing three live goats to our performance on Thursday, February 15, and other local businesses such as Bob’s East End Café in Tavistock have donated money towards the production,’ added Richard, who grew up on a farm just outside Bere Alston.

‘I remember my first outing to the theatre as a child so clearly and I wanted to write and produce something that would encourage young families to take their children to the theatre for the first time.

‘I am so excited to launch our first show at the Palace. Returning to the venue a few years later as a young producer with my own show is just wonderful. We cannot thank Pennywell Farm enough for sponsoring the show. They ran a competition over Christmas for us and are also bringing three of their billy goats to greet the audience as they enter the theatre on February 15.

‘We are hoping that this is just the start — not only for Lost the Plot but for our relationship with the Palace. We have a few things in the pipeline.’

Maureen McAllister, the Palace’s theatre manager, said: ‘I am absolutely delighted that Lost the Plot Theatrical has chosen the Palace to stage their first production, I do hope it will be the start of a very successful relationship — to have such a new and vibrant company with a brand new production coming to our theatre over half term is perfect for our residents and visiting audiences. I hope to see lots of happy smiling faces trip, trap, trapping through our doors this February half term.’