Doomsday Genesis was my first (and only!) stage musical. Whilst training to be a press photographer in the Midlands I met composer Keith Kerslake and together we wrote the science-fiction, rock musical Doomsday Genesis. It was partially inspired by David Bowie’s song ‘Five Years’. The show told the story of a small group of people who, due to the over-population of Earth, are evacuated to another planet. The first act shows the final hours on Earth and the second act deals with the problems the pioneers face when their spaceship reaches the new planet Jorga and they meet the aliens!
The show was presented by the West Bromwich College of Commerce and Technology in Wednesbury on 28th March 1974. It ran for a limited run. A recording of the show’s songs was made in London by music publishers Chappell but has never been commercially released on CD.
THE ORIGINAL CAST
Zowie.............................................................................Sue Hopkins
Annabelle...............................................................Pauline Faulkner
Rex.........................................................................Miles Tredinnick
Rev. James............................................................Mike Bracegirdle
District Controller.................................................P. Thiruchelvam
Jeta...................................................................Mohammed Rafique
Ket.............................................................................Mick Freeman
1st Man.........................................................................Mike Carter
2nd Man.......................................................................Dave Casson
1st Girl......................................................................Mary Richards
2nd Girl.........................................................................June Powell
Humans and Jorganians: June Powell, Mary Richards,
Mohammed Rafique, Mick Freeman, Phil Kilch, Jock Hunter,
Dave Casson, Sue Ferriman.
Book, lyrics and music by Miles Tredinnick and Keith Kerslake.
Produced by P. Thiruchelvam
Directed by Keith Kerslake
MUSICIANS:
Musical Director/Piano............................................Keith Kerslake
Guitar...............................................................................Tony Cross
Bass.....................................................................................Pete Jelfs
Drums..........................................................................Dave Morgan
CREW:
Stage Manager/Audio Electrics............Steve Wood, Simon Butler
Lighting.............................................................Dick Merryweather
Publicity........................................................................Dave Casson
Box Office.............................................................Mike Bracegirdle
Make-up...............................Mary Richards, Mohammed Rafique