"Telstar" by Nick Moran at the New Ambassadors from 21 June 2005

"Telstar" by Nick Moran at the New Ambassadors from 21 June 2005

Telstar by Nick Moran & James Hicks, opens at the New Ambassadors Theatre 24 June 2005, following previews from 21 June and running to 10 Sep 2005.

Tickets now on sale!

The cast includes Con O'Neill (Joe Meek), Linda Robson (Violet Shenton), Tarl Caple, Gareth Corke, Callum Dixon, David Hayler, Roland Manookian, Philip York, William Woods

This production, which has been touring, is directed by Paul Jepson , designed by Tim Shortall with lighting by Chris Ellis. Katy Quayle, Kate Plantin and Nick Moran for KT2 Productions, present this New Vic Workshop production in association with Eastbourne Theatres and Cambridge Arts. TELSTAR is supported by Arts Council England and managed by Stanhope Productions.

Telstar traces the rise and tragic fall of an iconic figure of British pop - Joe Meek , Britain's first independent record producer and original rock 'n' roll pioneer.

Transforming his tiny flat over a handbag shop in the Holloway Road into a recording studio, Meek produced three massive hits of the period, including the self- written Telstar - one of the biggest sellers of all time.

Meek's passion and drive came hand in hand with a volatile and belligerent manner, which, fuelled by a paranoia-inducing amphetamine addiction made him impossible to work with; his spiritualism led to claims that the dead Buddy Holly was the true author of many of his songs.

This black comedy takes us back to the mad days and nights of Meek's recording sessions between 1961-67, his turbulent career and relationship with his band - a maverick group of local kids; his fateful alliance with land-lady Violet Shenton ;his unrequited love for one-hit-wonder protege Heinz and his blind support for his homegrown acts such as Screaming Lord Sutch while he showed the door to The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Tom Jones and many others.

Uncovering the humanity and humour behind the legend, TELSTAR explores the loneliness and heartbreak of a frustrated genius and the energy and power of music to transform lives - for better or for worse.