Andrew Billington’s “Make Good” is a compelling new musical that takes a deep dive into the personal stories of those affected by the notorious Post Office scandal. After the impactful ITV drama “Mr. Bates vs the Post Office,” this theatre production aims to further explore the hearts behind the headlines through its musical format.
Jeanie O’Hare, co-writer of “Make Good,” expressed to BBC News her belief that the musical approach is the most effective way to convey the profound emotional pain and isolation experienced by the victims. “The fact that these individuals are being told they are liars and thieves, despite being pillars of their communities, creates a significant tension in their narrative,” she explained. “They’ve devoted their lives to their communities, yet we chose to trust flawed technology over the real, living humans who upheld these neighborhoods for so long.”
O’Hare’s journey in crafting “Make Good” began long before the ITV drama aired in January. She connected with real sub-postmasters, uncovering the sheer scale of one of the UK’s largest miscarriages of justice. “We decided to believe tech rather than the incredible individuals who have held our communities together,” she reflected.
The script for “Make Good” is brought to life with music composed by Jim Fortune, an Olivier Award nominee. He described how the songs delve into the characters’ souls, capturing the emotional arcs they traverse throughout the story.
This production, touring across England, celebrates the 50th anniversaries of both Pentabus and New Perspectives theatre companies. It kicked off last Saturday in Ludlow, Shropshire, and features local community choirs partnering with the cast to perform. Fortune noted that while each choir will offer a unique tone and dynamic, the performances are bound to be remarkable.
Before the tour began, several real-life sub-postmasters attended a rehearsal. “Their presence has been incredible; they watched us perform and were so generous with their feedback,” Fortune shared. “It must have been a surreal experience for them, but they provided extraordinary insight.”
O’Hare added, “We created a space where they could take a breather if needed, but they chose to stay and engage with us throughout. Their feedback made it clear that unlike the ITV drama, our production genuinely encapsulates their heartbreak and the grief associated with their experiences.”
Between 1999 and 2015, faulty Horizon accounting software led to the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters, many of whom faced imprisonment for crimes they didn’t commit. O’Hare gathered insights from various individuals involved in the Post Office Inquiry during her research, using their stories as inspiration for her characters.
One sub-postmaster, Chris Trousdale, who was only 19 when he was wrongfully convicted, expressed his hope that the production would do justice to their experiences. “We’re not precious about the story; we just want it portrayed accurately to ensure it doesn’t happen to anyone else,” he said.
Watching actors reenact parts of his past during rehearsals was a “cathartic” experience for Trousdale. “I was initially curious about how a musical could convey our story, and I was absolutely amazed by what I saw. The emotional strain conveyed through music truly captures the inner agony we endured, something the TV drama couldn’t achieve.”
With a previous play titled “Glitch” and the ITV drama capturing significant public attention, O’Hare reflected on the necessity of this musical. She acknowledged the impact that the TV adaptation had on public awareness and legislative discussions, yet emphasized the unique healing aspect of “Make Good.” “In a village hall, surrounded by a community choir, we’re not just revealing stories; we’re reconnecting with our shared humanity,” she highlighted.
“Make Good” is set to continue its tour until December 1, delivering a poignant reminder of resilience and community amidst tragedy.