Internet smash-hit inspires new musical comedy

In 1999 MJ Hibbett had the bright idea of releasing his hymn to the ZX Spectrum, ‘Hey Hey 16K’, as the world’s first ever internet single. It was a favourite among computer geeks and indie fans, but it wasn’t until 2004 that it became a worldwide smash.

Rob Manuel of b3ta.com created an animation for the song, turning it into one of the first ever viral videos, and it was downloaded over two million times in its first fortnight.

Now MJ has used the song as the basis for a musical starring himself and his friend Steve Hewitt.

Hey Hey 16K is the fourth musical that the duo have performed. In previous years they’ve thrilled audiences with the science fiction extravaganzas Dinosaur Planet, Moon Horse VS The Mars Men Of Jupiter and ‘otal Hero Team.

As well as home computers, time travel and teenage memories, the show features advice on beer, a biography of Ada Lovelace, new songs, tap dancing, Dad jokes, and even a bit of hula hooping.

Hey Hey 16K is on at 6.30pm on Saturday, July 18, and at 1.30pm on Sunday, July 19, at The Hydro, Spring Gardens, Buxton.