Industry bosses are believed to be in talks with major musical theatre production companies over plans to create a West End-style extravaganza, extolling the virtues of a career in direct marketing.
The show, dubbed “Direct Marketing, the Musical”, is still in the very early stages, but DecisionMarketing understands that the first auditions are taking place today (April 1) to fill many of the top roles. There will also be a big push to attract a diverse range of performers.
The plan is to take the show on tour to schools and colleges across the UK, as the DM sector battles against other industries – most notably digital and technology sectors – to attract the next generation of direct marketers.
Song titles already pencilled in include “Can you feel the ROI tonight”, “Get me to the client on time”, “Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee (A DMer’s Life for Me)” and “Show me (your Johnson Box)”.
A number of organisations have already pledged their support, with Royal Mail MarketReach heavily tipped to want a slice of the action. If so, it would no doubt insist that direct mail features prominently in the musical.
Although no-one would speak on the record about the plans, musical director Lirpa Loof told DecisionMarketing: “What better way to attract creative people to the direct marketing industry than a good old song and dance routine? Musical theatre has it all – humour, pathos and love – and who can resist a rousing finale? I, for one, would grab the chance to get involved.”
