Making a Musical: The Future of British Musical Theatre

Meet Edna: she’s 14, she’s a misfit, and she’s in love with Harry. There’s just one problem: Harry’s in the world’s biggest boy band, has 38 million fans, and doesn’t know she exists. When Harry’s band announces a tour stop in Edna’s hometown of Sydney, Australia, she knows this is her destiny – her one chance to meet him. But how on EARTH will she get Harry’s attention?! And exactly how far is she prepared to go in the name of love?

Featuring songs ‘Learning to be Lonely’ performed by Yve Blake & Zara Stanton and ‘Concert Medley’ performed by Blake Appelqvist, Chika Ikogwe, Kimberley Hodgson, Sharon Millerchip & Yve Blake.

Yve Blake (she/her) Book, Music & Lyrics

Yve Blake is a playwright, screenwriter, and songwriter, born and raised on Gadigal land.

She's best known for writing the Book, Music and Lyrics for the musical FANGIRLS, which has been awarded the 2019 Sydney Theatre Award for Best Mainstage Musical, 2019 Matilda Award for Best Musical or Cabaret, 2020 AWGIE award for Music Theatre, 2021 Green Room award for New Australian Writing for Musical Theatre, and also scored an ARIA nomination for Best Original Soundtrack or Musical Theatre Cast Album. After premiering at Belvoir and Queensland Theatre in 2019, FANGIRLS returned in 2021 for a national tour, and returned by demand in 2022 at the Sydney Opera House. In 2024, FANGIRLS will premiere in the UK at the Lyric Hammersmith, produced by Lyric Hammersmith and Sonia Friedman Productions, directed by Paige Rattray.

Yve is an alumni of the Royal Court Writers’ Programme, and was the inaugural recipient of the ATYP Rebel Wilson Theatre-maker scholarship. She is also a 2024 Women in Music Australia Soho House Fellow, and has been a visiting artist at Princeton University. She's also developed and presented her own work in London at Soho Theatre, Southbank Centre, Old Vic New Voices, the National Theatre Studio and The Barbican. Her 2019 TEDxSydney talk about Fangirls has been promoted to an official TED talk on TED.com, where it has been viewed more than 1.4 million times.

She is currently developing a screen adaptation of Fangirls with Fremantle, a movie musical for Mark Gordon Pictures, a new spooky musical, and various other projects. For more info, head to yveblake.co

A Lyric Hammersmith and Sonia Friedman Productions co-production

Directed by Paige Rattray

Follow The Other Palace: @TheOtherPalace

Follow FANGIRLS: @fangirlsmusical

Follow Lyric Hammersmith @lyrichammer

Are you writing a new musical in the UK? Consider submitting your show for the podcast: https://theotherpalace.co.uk/making-a-musical-podcast/ 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inspired by Sir Thomas Malory’s 15th-century prose Le Morte D’Arthur, Avalon follows the classic tale of the tragic destiny of soon-to-be King Arthur and his half-sister Morgan, through the lens of our wizardly narrator, Merlin.

After the death of King Uther, the knights and nobleman of the land devise a plan to fill the power vacuum left in his stead. They agree that whoever wields the power to pull the late king’s sword, “Excalibur”, from a stone, shall be their new leader. The ever-ignored daughter of the king, Morgan, finally sees her chance to earn respect from her kingdom and dreams of filling her father’s shoes.

Meanwhile, Arthur, a humble young man from the country, journeys to the kingdom to assist his older brother in a royal tournament. Unbeknownst to him, Arthur is King Uther’s only male heir. In a twist of fate, or predetermined act of destiny, Arthur miraculously pulls Excalibur from the stone. The siblings realize that their destiny is weaved together like a tapestry, and both become determined to protect their future at all costs.

Featuring songs ‘It’ll Find Me’ performed by Casey Cott (recorded and produced by Write Out Loud) and ‘Soul Fly’ performed by Martha Boon.

Callum Shannon (he/him) Music & Lyrics

Callum is a young British/Irish songwriter, based in London. After enjoying a successful career as a Vocalist, Callum has left turned onto the creative side of the table, with his first big writing project. Callum is a recipient of Taylor Louderman’s “Write Out Loud” songwriting award.

Follow The Other Palace: @TheOtherPalace

Follow Avalon: @avalonmusical 

Are you writing a new musical in the UK? Consider submitting your show for the podcast: https://theotherpalace.co.uk/making-a-musical-podcast/ 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jaz’ parents have vanished. Now, with the help of teenage inventor Melanie, she must work out where they’ve gone and how to get them back. And what’s going on with those ninja teddy bears. And who they really work for. And how she ended up in the middle of a plot for world domination. And how to get out of this mess. Eek.

This is a completely bonkers musical adventure for childish grownups - the epic lovechild of The Powerpuff Girls and Rick and Morty, brewed in vitro in Dexter’s Lab. 

Follow Jaz, Melanie, and a host of ludicrous sidekicks to learn how the planet was almost changed forever. 

Featuring songs ‘A Little Bad’ performed by Ellie Nunn (BVs by Alex Simpson) and ‘You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet’ performed by Nancy Zamit, Ellie Nunn, Chris Fearn, Danni Ashby and Parisa Shahmir.

Oli George Rew (he/him) Music

Oli is a musical director and composer. He was the recipient of the Lesley Hayes Award whilst at Mountview, and has worked extensively as a musical director and supervisor, in the UK and abroad. Alongside Andy Room, he wrote ‘The Night Our Parents Disappeared’, and a number of songs for new plays. @oli.rew

Andy Room (he/they) Book & Lyrics

Andy is a writer and director. Collaborating with Oli George Rew, their song “The Inventor’s Daughter” was a finalist for the Best New Song Prize, and their debut musical was selected for the Rewrites Festival at the Lowry in 2022. Andy is also a member of MMD’s Advanced Writing Lab. @andydroom

Follow The Other Palace: @TheOtherPalace

Are you writing a new musical in the UK? Consider submitting your show for the podcast: https://theotherpalace.co.uk/making-a-musical-podcast/ 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s 1967 – There’s a change in the breeze. A new contraceptive pill is available, same-sex relationships are legal and second-wave feminism is in full flux. Against this new era, four friends navigate life at St Anne’s Convent School. But as opinions collide and feelings towards one another shift, the group’s final year doesn’t play out as planned.

A poignant, new coming-of-age musical that explores struggles surrounding Irish emigration, sexuality, and faith, We’ll Have Nun of It prompts important questions about growing up in a divided world and highlights the vitality of sisterhood during dark times.

Featuring songs ‘Daydream Days’ and ‘Vines’ performed by Finola Southgate.

Rosie Dart (She/Her) Book, Director & Producer

Rosie has created work for Gilded Balloon at Edinburgh Fringe, VAULT festival and NYMT. Within casting she has worked in-house at Netflix as well as on projects such as Girl From the North Country (UK Tour), Enola Holmes 2 (Netflix) & Luther (Netflix). @heyrosiedart

Finola Southgate (She/Her) Music, Lyrics and Book

Finola is a songwriter and composer across soul, pop and musical theatre. She has performed original music across venues including Sportspaleis Antwerp and released albums with The Monroes and Sister Sister Productions. @finola.music

Follow The Other Palace: @TheOtherPalace

Are you writing a new musical in the UK? Consider submitting your show for the podcast: https://theotherpalace.co.uk/making-a-musical-podcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the eve of the mayoral election, and the kids of Hamelin aren’t happy. The mayor and owner of the local pie factory has imposed a music ban, and to make matters worse, there’s a serious rat problem. But, there have been whispers of a mysterious rat catcher in town. Can this curious stranger help Hamelin to find its voice once more? 

Pied Piper is a raucous musical re-imagining of a medieval fairy-tale. Featuring a hugely talented cast of beatboxers, musicians and special guest performances from the local community, get ready for an electrifying night of vocal wizardry for all the family.

Featuring songs ‘Welcome to Hamlin’ performed by the cast (Lead Rap Conrad Murray) and ‘I Wanna Sing’ performed by the cast (Lead Vocal Kate Donnachie).

Conrad Murray (he/him) Writer & Co-Director

Conrad Murray is a theatre maker, director, musician, rapper, beatboxer, writer and composer. As artistic director, he has led the BAC Beatbox Academy since 2008, innovating in hop hop/ beatbox theatre with various projects. 

His recent production Romeo & Juliet with the Polka Theatre and Beats & Elements , which he Co Directed and wrote, has been nominated for four Off West End awards including best music and production.

His production company for making new hip hop shows is called rODIUM LTD. 

He was recently the Musical Director and Composer on Michael Rosens’ An Unexpected Twist’, book by Roy Williams. 

His production with the BAC Beatbox Academy, Frankenstein: How to Make a Monster got 5 star reviews from The Stage, The Guardian and others. It won the Off West End award, Total Theatre award, and was the highest rated show of the Edinburgh Fringe, and won pick of the fringe at the Adelaide fringe festival.  It was adapted into a BBC film in 2020. Pilots’ Crongton Knights  (Musical Director was picked as one of the top theatre shows of the year by the Guardian in 2020.

He was chosen as part of the Stage’s top 100 people in their 2020 list which highlighted his show High rise State Of Mind with his theatre company Beats & Elements, and a finalist in The Arts Foundations theatre makers category. 

He was Beatbox Coach on Giles Terera’s The Meaning Of Zong  for the Bristol Old Vic. 

He was director for Connor Allen’s autobiographical Grime theatre experience Making Of A Monster for the Wales Millennium Centre. 

In 2022, his first published works were published by Bloomsbury/Methuen Drama, Making hip hop theatre and three original texts Beatbox & Elements – A Hip Hop Theatre Trilogy. 

He has collaborated and/or made work for various venues and institutions including Battersea Arts Centre, The National Theatre Studio, The Lyric Hammersmith, Mountview School of Theatre Arts, The Tate, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Camden People’s Theatre, Roundhouse, Theatre Royal Stratford East, UCL, The Courtyard Theatre.

@ rODIUMRecords/rODIUM

Follow The Other Palace: @TheOtherPalace

Are you writing a new musical in the UK? Consider submitting your show for the podcast: https://theotherpalace.co.uk/making-a-musical-podcast/ 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s 1979 and David Starr is unquestionably one of the smartest, most talented sixth-formers in East Dulwich – he’s got a wild imagination, a vocal range to die for, and a bedroom plastered with posters of his beloved pop idols: Blondie, Sting, and Kate Bush. But being smart, talented, with a great taste in music may not be enough to get him through secondary school, where, to his great surprise, he’s just been given the female lead in the school play. The unconventional casting sends shockwaves through David’s small town, first with David, and then with his parents, his aunt, and his classmates.

Before long, it seems like everybody has an opinion on whether David should go on with the show, inspiring him to turn to his no-nonsense best friend Frances and his unlikely co-star Maxie, the enigmatic captain of the football team.

Based on the novel ‘Becoming Nancy’ by Terry Ronald.

Featuring songs ‘The Risk’ performed by Blake Patrick Anderson and ‘Just For Today’ performed by Bianca Claxton and Isaac Gryn.

For more information about George and Terry, visit:

https://bit.ly/MAM-Becoming-Nancy

Follow The Other Palace: @TheOtherPalace

Follow Becoming Nancy: @becomingnancy

Are you writing a new musical in the UK? Consider submitting your show for the podcast: https://theotherpalace.co.uk/making-a-musical-podcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Faced with the backdrop of the First World War, the insular residents of Bryher can no longer escape the realities of life beyond the islands. It takes the innocence of youth – in the shape of plucky young Gracie Jenkins, and her sailing companion and confidant Daniel Pender – to try to blow apart the fear and hatred that threatens to destroy their community, lifting a powerful curse in the process. Adapted from the book by Michael Morpurgo.

Featuring songs ‘Glory Feels Hollow’ performed by Bella Barlow, Scarlett Bowcott, Lisa Bridge, Frankie Jones & Katy Shorten and ‘Shadows & Fog’ performed by Scarlett Bowcott, Frankie Jones & Matthew Ronchetti (Ensemble: Lisa Bridge, Vincent Pirillo, Katy Shorten & Duncan Smith).

Bella Barlow (she/her) Music

Trained at the University of Southampton & The Royal Central School of Speech & Drama.  As composer & arranger, Musicals include: Christmas in the City (inspired from songs off of Barlow & Smith's Christmas album of the same name), Lock & Key (VAULT FESTIVAL 2018), and Vanya’s (a brand new Musical). She has written and performed internationally for several projects including at the United Nations and HRH Queen's 90th Birthday Celebrations. She is currently working on a new Musical with poet Pam Ayres. @Bella_Barlow / bellabarlow

Nikki Racklin (she/her) Book & Lyrics

Her commissions include Love Me To Death, an opera about Ruth Ellis, which was performed at the Barbican Pit Theatre and the Tête à Tête Opera Festival, and Deptford Wives, an adaptation of the award-winning radio play. Working alongside Ben Glasstone, Nikki is currently developing Mini: The Boy Who Played With Fire, a glam-rock-fuelled musical about Michael ‘Mini’ Cooper, and writing the lyrics to a stage-musical adaptation of Tracy-Ann Oberman’s BBC R4 drama Bette and Joan and Baby Jane, exploring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford’s deep-seated rivalry on the set of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, with music by James Cleeve. @nikkiracklin

Follow The Other Palace: @TheOtherPalace

Are you writing a new musical in the UK? Consider submitting your show for the podcast: https://theotherpalace.co.uk/making-a-musical-podcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feral Monster is a banging new musical about an unremarkable teenager. With a soundtrack mashing up grime, R&B, soul, pop and rap, the show follows Jax and her noisy, opinionated brain as they navigate love, identity, class and family. "We're trying to tell a story that is queer, that is Welsh, that is rural." Bethan Marlow. Commissioned and produced by National Theatre Wales.

Featuring songs ‘OMG’ and ‘Dal Fi’ performed by Lily Beau, Geraint Rhys Edwards, Carys Eleri, Rebecca Hayes, Nathaniel Leacock and Leila Navabi, recorded live at the Sherman Theatre.

Bethan Marlow (she/they) Book & Lyrics

Bethan Marlow is an award-winning writer from North Wales. Her highly acclaimed theatre credits include PIGEON (Theatr Iolo/Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru), MOLD RIOTS (Theatr Clwyd) and NYRSYS (Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru). Bethan’s current theatre commissions are with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Welsh National Opera.

Bethan is currently developing original TV drama series for Five Acts, World Productions and Film Nation. She is also working on two feel-good queer feature films: MADISON with the BFI and IEIE Productions and QUEER AS FOLK DANCING with Ffilm Cymru and Ardimages UK.

Bethan was recently selected for the Wscripted Cannes Screenplay List and BAFTA x BFI Flare mentoring scheme.

Nicola T. Chang (she/her) Music

Nicola T. Chang is a composer/sound designer who has recently worked on For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy (West End/Royal Court/New Diorama) and My Neighbour Totoro (RSC/Barbican). @nicolatchang

Follow The Other Palace: @TheOtherPalace

Are you writing a new musical in the UK? Consider submitting your show for the podcast: https://theotherpalace.co.uk/making-a-musical-podcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Redcliffe, Bristol William is feeling the pressure to find a wife whilst also being the breadwinner to his family. His mothers nagging doesn't help. When he meets Richard, he unlocks a world he had never dared to explore before and it’s clear there is no going back. Based on the true events of William Critchard and Richard Arnold in 1753, Redcliffe is an epic tale of forbidden love during the persecution people faced for hundreds of years.

Featuring songs ‘Pressure Pot’ performed by Jordan Luke Gage and Rebecca Lock and ‘Hurricane’ performed by Rebecca Lock, recorded live at MTFestUK 2024, Turbine Theatre.

Jordan Luke Gage (he/him) Book, Music & Lyrics

Jordan most recently originated the role of Clyde Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (Arts Theatre/Garrick). Prior to this he originated the role of Romeo in the Olivier Award winning &Juliet at The Shaftesbury Theatre. His other West End credits include Strat in Bat Out Of Hell at The Dominion Theatre and JD in Heathers at Theatre Royal Haymarket. His television credits include Prince James The Royal Kill List (Sky), Adrian Barber in Cilla (ITV), and Luc in Cucumber (Channel 4). Jordan plays guitar and writes music and this is his first musical writing project. @jordanlukegage

Follow Redcliffe: @redcliffemusical

Follow The Other Palace: @TheOtherPalace

Are you writing a new musical in the UK? Consider submitting your show for the podcast: https://theotherpalace.co.uk/making-a-musical-podcast/ 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 5 Making a Musical: The Future of British Musical Theatre Podcast Lineup

Making a Musical podcast returns for Season 5 with an exciting lineup! Each episode will feature music and exclusive interviews with the writers and creatives of new musicals at varying stages of development. Episodes to be released from 22 April 2024.

Avalon The Old Legend, A New Musical 

Music & Lyrics by Callum Shannon.

Avalon follows the classic tale of the tragic destiny of soon-to-be King Arthur and his half-sister Morgan, through the lens of our wizardly charismatic narrator, Merlin.

Becoming Nancy

Book by Elliot Davis. Music by George Stiles. Lyrics by Anthony Drewe.

Additional Music & Lyrics by Elliot Davis, Terry Ronald & George Stiles.

Based on the novel by Terry Ronald.

It's 1979 and David Starr is unquestionably one of the smartest, most talented sixth-formers in East Dulwich – to his surprise, he’s been given the female lead in the school play which sends shockwaves through David’s small town.

FANGIRLS 

Book, Music and Lyrics by Yve Blake. 

Meet Edna: she’s 14, she’s a misfit, and she’s in love with Harry. There’s just one problem: Harry’s in the world’s biggest boy band and doesn’t know she exists. Exactly how far is she prepared to go in the name of love?

Feral Monster

Written by Bethan Marlow. Composed by Nicola T. Chang.

Commissioned and produced by National Theatre Wales.

A banging new musical about an unremarkable teenager. With a soundtrack mashing up grime, R&B, soul, pop and rap, the show follows Jax and her noisy, opinionated brain as they navigate love, identity, class and family. 

Pied Piper

Conceived by Conrad Murray (Writer) & Lara Taylor

A brand new hip-hop musical. It’s the eve of the mayoral election, and the kids of Hamelin aren’t happy. The authorities have imposed a music ban, and there’s a serious rat problem. But can the mysterious rat catcher in town help?

REDCLIFFE

Written by Jordan Luke Gage.

Based on the true events of William Critchard and Richard Arnold in 1753, Redcliffe is an epic tale of forbidden love in spite of the persecution people faced for hundreds of years. 

The Night our Parents Disappeared

Book & lyrics by Andy Room. Composed by Oli Rew.

Jaz’ parents have vanished. Now, with the help of teenage inventor Melanie, she must work out where they’ve gone and how to get them back. And what’s going on with those ninja teddy bears.

We’ll Have Nun of It

Book by Rosie Dart. Music, Lyrics and Book by Finola Southgate.

It’s 1967 – against this new era, four friends navigate life at St Anne’s Convent School. But as opinions collide and feelings towards one another shift, the group’s final year doesn’t play out as planned.

Why the Whales Came

Books & Lyrics by Nikki Racklin. Composed by Bella Barlow. 

Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo.

In the shadow of WW1, the insular residents of Bryher are terrified of the solitary ‘Birdman’. It takes the innocence of youth, to blow apart the fear and superstition that threaten to destroy the community, lifting a long-standing curse in the process.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.