NOT IN THE MOOD
Best-loved song missing from Nolan sister’s musical
A MUSICAL about the Nolans has been written by their sister Anne – but it doesn’t have any of their songs, such as I’m in the Mood For Dancing, in it.
The 67-year-old co-wrote the script based on her 2009 autobiography, Anne’s Song, updated to cover the years since.
The 23 new songs include a ballad about the death of Bernie in 2013 aged 53 after a three-year battle with breast cancer.
A source said: “It’s not a jukebox Nolans musical, it’s an autobiography turned into a musical. Obviously, there is an overlap with the sisters.
“There are new songs to reflect Anne’s book. There are big, sad ones to reflect the time when Bernie passed, about Anne’s breast cancer, and about their mum Maureen losing her battle with Alzheimer’s.”
The source added: “It’s really funny as well as sad and happy.”
Anne’s book also told of her sexual abuse by her father. The source said: “There is a sensitive scene that delicately covers the issue with utmost respect.”
Bernie, Maureen, Linda and Record agony aunt Coleen toured without Anne after the book came out.
They made up in 2014 after a plea from dying Bernie but Anne’s sisters are not involved with the musical.
Director Adam Morley will produce the show, co-written by Paul Wood with songs by Terry Bradford and Susie Arvesen. They hope it will go on tour.