Former Performing Arts student Jess Coppen-Gardner premieres her very own full-length musical ‘What’s Wrong with Me?’ at the Green Room Theatre in Dorking next week (14-18 May).

Set in a self-help retreat with a group of guests in search of enlightenment from self-appointed guru Osmond, it features original songs such as “Blame It On Your Mum and Dad” and “Seeking Attention” by co-writer Rosalyn Miller.

Jess said, “The idea was born during my time at drama school and I’d been developing the story and characters for a number of years before I met Rosalyn, who wrote the music and was my co-writer for the lyrics. We took an hour-long version to the Camden Fringe last year, using the experience to refine and further develop it into a full-length show.”

Having recently performed in All my Sons with Dorking Dramatic and Operatic Society (DDOS) – who call the Green Room Theatre home – a chance conversation about her new musical led to an offer to stage the full-length production.

Jess said, “I’ve been overwhelmed by the support from all the DDOS volunteers who have pulled out all the stops to make the musical happen. I’m working with incredible talent and expertise and I’m so grateful for their many hours of hard work to realise my long-held vision.”

In July, the show transfers to the Lion & Unicorn Theatre in London for a week’s run, featuring the existing cast, which includes current Reigate College student Cata Sanchez-Marti. Cata plays angsty teen Jasmine and said, “I’m so grateful to be performing in such a cool musical. I knew Jess as a child and really looked up to her, so to be working with her now and then to take her show to a London fringe venue is crazy!”