Musical tribute to life of a very special father
A MIDDLESBROUGH-born teacher has written and produced a musical as a tribute to her dad.
Samantha Moore opened her dance school at the age of 18 and has produced local talent for the last 32 years.
It was after the passing of her father in 2019 that encouraged her to write ‘Our Trevor’ about his life and the huge influence he had on her and others around him.
The pandemic disrupted the timeframe of the production but has not dampened Samantha’s desire to share the impressive life of her beloved dad.
Trevor was born in Middlesbrough, Ayresome Park Road which was once home to Middlesbrough Football Club.
Samantha added: “My dad’s passion for the Boro was like nothing else, he followed them up and down the country and never missed a match.
“This passion has been passed onto me and the rest of my family.”
The story for the musical is based around the true story of her dad’s life with an added fantasy twist.
Samantha explained: “It starts in the early 1960s when the Beatles burst onto the scene.
“Trevor’s parents, Fred and Alice, are about to separate and Fred doesn’t approve of Trevor’s love of the Beatles and his passion for 60s music.
“There are many clashes between Trevor and his father but through it all the one friend who Trevor relies on is his beloved dog Kim.
“When Trevor received a letter from the legend Brian Clough, also a local lad, playing football for Sunderland at the time, Trevor, overcome with emotion falls asleep and goes into a dream - this is the fantasy part of the musical and is a real contrast to the first act.
“The first act, true to life, emotional and raw, the second act funny and off the wall!”
The Middlesbrough family still have and hold close the letter written by Brian Clough.
Trevor’s father, Fred Moore, was also a well-respected man in the community. He was a councillor in Middlesbrough and elected year after year from 1953.
On the back of that he became the councils head of recreation and entertainments brushing shoulders with many stars.
Speaking with Samantha, it’s impossible not see her passion and love for her father: “I have never done anything on this scale before although I have put productions on locally over the years.
“I have put my absolute heart and soul into this and that is partly because I share my dad’s love of the area and I share the same passion
for music and the mighty Boro.
“There have been highs and lows and times when I thought we would never get there especially in trying times during the pandemic. I searched high and low for cast members as it was difficult when some of these parts are so close to your heart but I believe I have found the most talented group and I am extremely grateful for that.
“When my dad passed away in 2019 I had an idea to write a musical about his life because I believed his story growing up was a unique one, particularly for that era, but also had something that people could relate to.
“My dad however did make me appreciate the simple things in life and this is a strong message that is made clear throughout the musical, you don’t need to be rich or famous in this world to make a difference, love is the most important thing And my dad gave it in abundance, especially to those who needed it most.”
“It’s so exciting to be finally taking to the stage with Our Trevor after such a long wait, my family are extremely excited too.
“My mum is particularly proud and can’t wait to sit and watch as I have not revealed the story to her so she can enjoy it for the very first time like the rest of the public.
“My dad’s passions have definitely been passed on to me, his love for the Boro was like nothing else and I follow in his footsteps with that, and can’t imagine life without following my team.
“Also my love of music definitely comes from him and it feels like we have now come together to create this unique musical of which I hope he is very proud I know he has been with me every step of the way.”
Our Trevor debuts at Middlesbrough theatre on the 29th of June and runs till the 2nd of July, curtain up 7:30 pm. Tickets are available to purchase from the Middlesbrough Theatre or you can get them online - adults £16 and £13 concessions.