Personal Services The Musical?

[fredstoyva]

Hello everyone!

My name is Fred Stoyva and I’m a composer and lyricist, and new to the forums. As I was searching for potential subjects for a new musical, I stumbled upon a post by the good BurlyBeaR where he suggested that the film “Personal Services” would be ripe for a stage adaptation. I watched the film, enjoyed it immensely, I contacted him and he advised me to create this thread.

We both agree that it would be exciting to see an adaptation of “Personal Services”, but what do you think? What could (or should) this potential musical offer audiences of today? How would it be current?

Looking forward to hearing your opinions! 

[Deleted]

I'm OBESSED with Cynthia Payne! I have a book, a Tshirt AND a note from her saying 'thanks Geoff for the repeat custom, Cynthia'

I'm not Geoff btw

[Deleted]

Any Geoff Will Do

[BurlyBeaR]

Welcome Fred.

It is a fantastic story for sure. One possible issue with bringing it to life might be that the whole subject of sex scandals has taken a bit of a dark turn in the UK recently, with the terrible child sex abuse revelations. Back in Cynthia's time it was all a bit naughty and sometimes kinky but everyone in her story was a consenting adult as far as we know.

What's really interesting is how the sexualisation of schoolgirls was completely normalised back in the 70's and 80's. It was common to see soft porn depicting models in school uniforms, Benny Hill, Kenny Everett did all of that on tv. It doesn't really surprise me that all these years later we discover how real children were so horribly damaged by people who took that fetish to the next level and carried out abuse. 

There's another very iconic story you may find interesting. It was that of a woman called Joyce McKinney who in the late 70's kidnapped a Mormon missionary at gunpoint, and imprisoned him for several days, handcuffed to a bed where she forced him to have sex. This was a huge tabloid story for what seemed like an eternity. There was a documentary film made about it a couple of years ago called Tabloid, which you might find interesting. 

[fredstoyva]

Goodness me, I'm already picturing ladies with the 80's hair, looking like the daughters of Dracula or whatnot, handing out "Luncheon Vouchers" (flyers)...
Also: "Come on! Come on Front of House, get a move on! Get busy you lot!"

Yes... the sex abuse revelations and the schoolgirl fetish would make it necessary to at the very least exchange that specific scene for something else and/or break the fourth wall to address those things...

I'll look into Joyce McKinney! I haven't seen the Book of Mormon, but do we have a sequel idea here: "The Bed of Mormon"? I feel bad for typing that...

[BurlyBeaR]

She was known as "Madame Mayhem". Great title for a musical, no?

Hey Fred am I in for a cut as creative consultant if this becomes a blockbuster?

[fredstoyva]

As would be appropriate, I'm sure! (I don't have a lawyer)

[fredstoyva]

Holy moly, and she was a looker as well! That cheeky smile! And there's even drama surrounding the documentary! I've never ever, not to mention in two days, had two such interesting subjects in my lap (awkward wording) that's based on something real and that I know at least some people will care about.

Thank you, BurlyBeaR, thank you.

[alece10]

Jul 29, 2016 11:53:16 GMT mrslovettsmeatpie said:

I'm OBESSED with Cynthia Payne! I have a book, a Tshirt AND a note from her saying 'thanks Geoff for the repeat custom, Cynthia'

I'm not Geoff btw

I knew her and have a picture of the two of us together and she signed it "sexsationally yours. Cyn"
And no I hAve not been to one of her parties but was invited once. I have some wonderful stories I can tell about her. Lovely lady.

[fredstoyva]

Jul 29, 2016 13:23:00 GMT alece10 said:

Jul 29, 2016 11:53:16 GMT mrslovettsmeatpie said:

I'm OBESSED with Cynthia Payne! I have a book, a Tshirt AND a note from her saying 'thanks Geoff for the repeat custom, Cynthia'

I'm not Geoff btw

I knew her and have a picture of the two of us together and she signed it "sexsationally yours. Cyn"
And no I hAve not been to one of her parties but was invited once. I have some wonderful stories I can tell about her. Lovely lady.

Wow, I'd love to hear those stories, would be great research! Perhaps we could meet sometime? Same goes for you, mrslovettsmeatpie!

[BurlyBeaR]

[Phantom of London]

I haven't seen the movie, so possible couldn't comment. But welcome the the theatre community anyway.

Before you start toiling away earnestly on this project, you want to check if the rights are available, just to save disappointment.

[fredstoyva]

Jul 29, 2016 14:59:36 GMT Phantom of London said:

I haven't seen the movie, so possible couldn't comment. But welcome the the theatre community anyway.

Before you start toiling away earnestly on this project, you want to check if the rights are available, just to save disappointment.

Thank you to you and everyone else who's greeted me! Being terribly shy I've wondered how to find a way into the theatre community, but the last couple of days have made me feel like I've started to get a foot in the door.

Regarding the rights: absolutely. I'm thinking of writing a letter to Mr Leland (the screenwriter), or perhaps I should write it to Mr Bailey, since he and Ms Payne wrote the book I'm presuming the film was based on. I'm not sure. 

[Phantom of London]

Glad you have got one foot in the door, now time to bring in the other, come in and chill out and enjoy yourself.