Musical Theatre Initiatives

The Introduction to the Musical Theatre Initiative outlines our commitment to developing musical theatre with highly contemporary music. Our Musical Theatre Writing Workshops have so far introduced over 60 artists to Musical Theatre craft, and we are currently Developing Musicals for our stage.

Introduction to the Musical Theatre Initiative

The Theatre Royal Stratford East is in the middle of a five-year programme to evolve new musicals which reflect the vibrant eclecticism of multicultural London. We are determined that our annual programme will contain two or three new musicals, using highly contemporary music. To this end the theatre has been developing new voices in musical theatre chiefly through our Musical Theatre Writing Workshops.

Background to the Musical Theatre Initiative

The Theatre Royal is struck by the extraordinary fact that despite Britain’s leading role in world theatre, its dominance of the block-buster musical in the eighties and nineties, and its acknowledged innovative role in popular music, there has not yet been a successful musical set in contemporary Britain. The last one with a setting reflecting contemporary London might be Stratford East’s own 'Fings Ain’t What They Used T’Be', in 1959. This startling fact was backed up by theatre critic Michael Billington, when he surveyed the musical theatre scene in 1999:

"I did enjoy a number of musicals in 1999: Candide, Of Thee I Sing, A Saint She Ain’t and, most especially, Mischa Spoliansky’s marvellous pocket-opera, Send For Mr Plim, wittily revived in Battersea. With some concern, however, I notice that these are all musicals either written in, or thematically concerned with, the past. It confirms my fear that the British theatre, for all its merits, is in grave danger of turning into a well-curated, brightly coloured museum." Michael Billington’s report on the theatrical year of 1999 - The Guardian

There has been no natural bridge into theatre for much of the music writing talent which abounds in Britain. R ‘n’B, garage, house, hiphop, jungle and drum ‘n’ bass dominate the charts, the club scene and the gig circuit, but are largely absent from the theatre. Theatre is missing out on a young audience which sees little relevance to them in the shows which are staged. The Theatre Royal Stratford East is confident that staging shows which express contemporary themes using pop and street music is a way to attract audiences mixed in age and race.

Musical Theatre Writing Workshops

"I’m now thinking of musical theatre as a possible future area.. a memorable and rewarding experience." Francesca Beard - 2000 Workshop participant

The Theatre Royal has held three Workshops in July 1999 July 2000, and July 2001. Each time a group of experienced writers, composers and music producers spent a month sharing their skills and learning the craft of musical theatre and collaboration. There were visits to several West End shows, and the participants worked on 3 writing assignments which were analysed and critiqued by the group.

"I came along to this course not knowing who I was going to meet or what to expect. Working in the pop music industry, many of the people I meet are nowhere near as creative as people I met throughout July on the course." Mike Olton - Musical Theatre Workshop 1999 participant

We are still interested in hearing from: music producers, playwrights, poets, MCs, DJs, novelists, rappers, composers and other professional artists who are interested in fusing their talent and skill into a new kind of contemporary musical

For further information and details of how to apply for any future course get in touch with Ryan Romain at rromain@stratfordeast.com or go to Contact Us.

Developing Musicals

Commissioning is an essential component of the Musical Theatre Project. A growing number of artists have been commissioned to work on a range of musical projects. For example as a direct extension of the training given to artists in the Musical Theatre Workshops 14 writers were commissioned to write 20-minute musicals which were workshopped with a professional director and professional actors. They were then presented semi-staged to invited audiences in November 2000 and March 2001. Some of these writers have in turn been commissioned to write full-length pieces. It is intended that new exciting shows for the main stage will be the result.

Musical Theatre Committee and Associate Artists

The Musical Theatre Committee is comprised of a number of associate artists, and the members of the Theatre Royal staff most closely involved in the development of the Musical Theatre Project. The Committee meets regularly to develop and discuss the current commissions as ‘work-in-progress’, and offers ideas and analysis on future commissions, collaborations, and new developments in musical theatre.