Coventry Performers Take Centre Stage in Feel-Good Madness Musical

Our House - Madness Musical, presented by Albany Creates Together (ACT), The Albany Theatre's in-house community theatre company. Our House runs from Thursday 29 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.

Preview

Coventry's musical heritage will take centre stage this autumn as local performers bring Our House, the Olivier Award-winning musical featuring the iconic music of Madness, to The Albany Theatre – on the very same road that played a part in the city's legendary 2 Tone story.

Presented by Albany Creates Together (ACT), The Albany Theatre's in-house community theatre company features a cast made up entirely of performers from Coventry and the surrounding area.

The connection to Coventry's musical history is particularly fitting. The former home of 2 Tone Records was on Albany Road – the same road as The Albany Theatre – linking the production directly to one of the most important chapters in the city's musical heritage.

Madness themselves share a connection to the 2 Tone story. Their debut single, The Prince, was released on the iconic 2 Tone label in 1979 before the band went on to sign to Stiff Records. Featuring beloved Madness songs including Our House, It Must Be Love, House of Fun, Baggy Trousers and Driving in My Car, the musical follows Joe Casey, whose life takes two dramatically different paths after one life-changing decision. Funny, heartfelt and packed with energy, Our House combines Madness' unforgettable music with a story about choices, consequences, family and growing up.

For Coventry, bringing the musical to The Albany Theatre offers a particularly fitting celebration of the city's musical identity – connecting the music of Madness with a city that helped shape Britain's 2 Tone movement, and with a new generation of local performers.

Celebrating Coventry's creative talent

The production also shines a spotlight on the wealth of creative talent across Coventry and Warwickshire. ACT was created to give local people the opportunity to perform ambitious theatre productions in a professional venue, whether they are experienced performers or stepping onto the stage for the first time.

Following the success of its debut production, Frankenstein, the company has grown into a welcoming creative home for performers from across the region.

Alan Pollock, Theatre Director at The Albany Theatre, said: "Coventry has always punched above its weight creatively. From being the birthplace of 2 Tone to the incredible performers, musicians and artists we have today, there's an extraordinary amount of talent in this city. That's exactly what ACT is all about – creating opportunities for local people to make exceptional theatre and to share their creativity with audiences right here in Coventry.

"There couldn't be a more fitting musical for Coventry than Our House. The connection between Madness, 2 Tone and Albany Road makes this production feel particularly special, while our local cast brings that story into the here and now. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Coventry's remarkable musical heritage while showcasing the incredible creative talent we have today."

ACT brings together performers of all ages and experience levels, giving local people the opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence and perform on The Albany Theatre's main stage. Alex Shinnick, Artistic Director of Albany Creates Together (ACT), said: "One of the most exciting things about ACT has been watching it grow. We started with just eight performers in Frankenstein, and now we're bringing together a much larger company for a full-scale musical. Seeing so many local people embrace the opportunity to perform, develop their skills and grow in confidence has been incredibly rewarding.

"Our House is an ambitious production, but it's also a celebration of what community theatre can achieve. Every member of the cast has brought something unique to the rehearsal room, and audiences are going to see not only a fantastic musical, but the passion, talent and creativity that exists across Coventry and Warwickshire."

James Hunter, Lead Producer for Albany Creates Together (ACT), said: "Building on ACT's first show, Frankenstein, it's great to return to The Albany as cast and this time also as producer. I'm so proud to be part of a community production where everyone can find their place and voice on stage.

"I know the importance of Our House to Coventry based on the core story of making choices told through the music of Madness. I was even involved in a previous attempt to bring the show to The Albany which was unfortunately halted due to the pandemic. It's so exciting – six years on – to be bringing this show back to this theatre and this community."

Alan Pollock added: "Our House is everything audiences love about musical theatre – brilliant songs, a heartwarming story and an incredibly talented cast. It's a celebration of Coventry's musical heritage, but above all it's a fantastic night at the theatre, and we can't wait to share it with audiences this autumn."

Blending the timeless music of Madness with the talent of local performers, Our House promises to be a feel-good theatrical event celebrating Coventry's remarkable musical heritage and the thriving creative community that continues to shape the city today.

Tickets are available now from: www.albanytheatre.co.uk/shows/our-house/