Ordinary People – a new musical about Farnham by multi award-winning composer and lyricist Darren Clark (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Wicker Husband) – comes to Farnham Maltings this summer promising to show there is nothing ordinary about ordinary people!

Based on stories shared by local people that Darren has collected over the past two years, the production - produced by Farnham Maltings - features a cast of professional actor musicians and community performers who, together, capture the essence of life in Farnham through music and storytelling.

Local legends, memorable moments and funny stories all play a part, along with personal recollections and the impact of world history on the town. From rag’n’bone man Charlie Wenham - whose horse needed no guidance to get him home after jolly nights in the pub - and the young men from Badshot Lea Amateur Brass Band who signed up for the Great War; to Susie, the shy, green fingered gardener who somehow found herself at the head of a community vegetable growing project, and the inspiring story of Harry and his mum whose lives were changed by Harry's muscular dystrophy. Ordinary People transforms these locally well-known tales and hidden treasures into a musical that paints a vibrant picture of Farnham present and past, and celebrates how everyone has a story that’s worth telling.

The Ordinary People project is part of the Farnham Maltings theatre development programme, funded by Arts Council England, which brings theatre-makers and communities together across the South East region to develop new work and new experiences. The project launched in Maidstone, Kent, where Darren Clark worked with the local community to collect real stories from local people to create their Ordinary People show. Following two sold-out runs in Maidstone, Farnham is now the second town to welcome the project.