News Story
Ahead of The Worthing Girls premiering on Friday 5 September, we spoke to compose Barb Jungr, writer Sue Teddern and Director Samantha Lane about the play.
Barb Jungr and Sue Teddern answer our questions...
Briefly tell us about The Worthing Girls?
The Worthing Girls are four women past their first flush of youth, who find themselves sharing a house in, yes, Worthing. Ruby, Beryl and Coral have shared histories, while Lily is a newcomer. Our show looks at the highs and lows of female friendship and the mother:daughter relationship. That makes it sound a bit earnest. It’s actually a lot of fun, with some great songs.
Why did you decide to base the musical in Worthing?
We both live close by, in Sompting and Hove respectively, so we know the town well. Over the years, Worthing has become a buzzy, vibrant place, with great pubs and restaurants and, of course, the wonderful pier and seafront. It felt like the obvious setting.
Have you visited Worthing or what do you like about Worthing?
It's Barb's nearest town Sue once had a flat there. We are Worthing peeps.
What do you hope audiences will take away from the musical?
We hope they have a great night out and come away humming many of the songs and thinking about which characters are most like their own friends ... or themselves! The only ‘message’ is that women’s friendships are strong, enduring, occasionally fraught, and absolutely indispensable.
Is this the first time the musical has been performed?
Yes, it’s a world premiere and the first of many more performances, we hope.
Do I need to have seen The Golden Girls to enjoy the show?
We were inspired by the idea of four older women sharing a house, as Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia do in The Golden Girls. But it’s absolutely not essential to know the sitcom. And it's set in the present day.
Anything else you think our readers should know about The Worthing Girls?
Only that we’ve had a lot of fun writing it, our first collaboration after a friendship that goes back many years, almost as long as Ruby and Coral's. We wonder why we didn’t do it sooner.
Director Samantha Lane answers our questions...
Briefly tell us about The Worthing Girls:
The Worthing Girls is a brand-new musical following four women as they navigate the twists, turns, and adventures of life and friendship well beyond their first flush of youth. Taking inspiration from The Golden Girls, it relocates the warmth, wit, and camaraderie of that spirit to the south coast of England in 2025. The show is joyful, funny, and celebratory, with fantastic music and lyrics by Barb Jungr, and a smart, witty book by Sue Teddern, starring the incredibly talented cast comprising of Dillie Keane, Gillian Bevan, Gillian Kirkpatrick, and Rebecca Wheatley.
Why did you want to direct the musical?
When I first read the script, it made me laugh out loud. It is so sharp, warm, and funny. At its heart, it’s a celebration of women, their friendships, and the resilience that carries them through every chapter of life. The themes really resonated with me, and I loved the idea of bringing that Golden Girls spirit to a contemporary British seaside setting. Plus, I get to collaborate with six exceptional women - our four brilliant cast members, along with Sue and Barb - who are all pouring their talent, humour, and heart into making this something truly special.
Have you visited Worthing or what do you like about Worthing?
I have such fond memories of visiting Worthing many times as a child - those trips to the seaside with my family are etched in my mind. There’s something so welcoming about the town, with its beautiful seafront and coastal charm. The Connaught Theatre is a gem, and it is the perfect place to tell a story about community, connection, and the adventures that can still be waiting for you later in life.
I’ve read that the musical takes inspiration from The Golden Girls. Do I need to see the sitcom to enjoy the show?
Not at all. While The Worthing Girls takes its inspiration from the warmth and humour of The Golden Girls, it’s a completely new story set in modern-day Worthing. You can enjoy it fully without having seen the television series.
What do you hope audiences will take away from the show?
I hope that they will take away the reminder that life is full of possibilities at any age, that friendship and laughter are timeless, and that there’s joy and adventure to be found in every chapter of life.
Please can you sum up the musical in three words?
Joyful. Heartwarming. Uplifting.
Anything else you think our readers should know about The Worthing Girls?
This is an exclusive concert presentation with only two performances, so audiences will be among the first to experience it. With a stellar creative team and an outstanding cast, it promises an evening of music, laughter, and, ultimately, a celebration of the enduring power of friendship.