New musical The House of Mirrors and Hearts to premiere at the Arcola Theatre

The House of Mirrors and Hearts will premiere in Studio 1 at the Arcola Theatre this summer.

The new British chamber musical opens on 7th July (previews from 2nd July) and runs until 1st August 2015. 

Described as a "timeless, atmospheric and intoxicating musical," The House of Mirrors and Hearts is a contemporary British story about a dysfunctional family haunted by their past.

The House of Mirrors and Hearts will be directed by Ryan McBryde. Musical direction is by David Randall with design by David Woodhead. Casting is to be announced. The show is written by Eamonn O'Dwyer (music and lyrics) and Robert Gilbert (book and lyrics)

Perfect Pitch announce Michael Ball as patron & team up with Digital Theatre to release From Up Here & LIFT

Perfect Pitch have announced Michael Ball (pictured right) as their patron; as well as a brand new partnership with DigitalTheatre.com!

Speaking today Michael Ball said: "It feels wonderful to be a patron of Perfect Pitch and officially support the company in its work to nurture and develop new musical theatre shows with up-and-coming writing talent. 

"We have a wonderful tradition of creating great musicals in this country and, to ensure its bright future, it’s essential that we give emerging writers every opportunity to develop their craft and create the hit shows of tomorrow. It’s fantastic that Perfect Pitch can offer such great opportunities and I’m really pleased to be able to play my part."

Andy Barnes, Executive Producer of Perfect Pitch added: "Michael shares our passion in supporting emerging talent with new ideas for musicals, particularly contemporary ideas that relate to an evolving audience. We are delighted that he’s committed some of his valuable time to further this cause."

Big Interview: Craig Adams

Craig Adams’ new musical Thérèse Raquin, based on the classic French novel, opens tonight at the Finborough Theatre.

Craig (music) has adapted Émile Zola’s novel for the stage with Nona Shepphard (book and lyrics). The production features a stellar cast, including Julie Atherton (LIFT/Avenue Q) and Ben Lewis (Candide/Australian production of Love Never Dies).

Craig is a composer, lyricist, and arranger. He was the Cameron Mackintosh Resident Composer at the Finborough Theatre, facilitated by Mercury Musical Developments and Musical Theatre Network UK. 

His first musical LIFT, developed in association with Perfect Pitch, received its world premiere at Soho Theatre in February 2013 and received an Off Broadway run in November 2013. The show was ranked #2 in West End Frame’s top ten shows of 2013.

Craig’s other writing credits include: DEFECT (as part of Vibrant 2013 – A Festival of Finborough Playwrights at the Finborough Theatre), 101 Dalmatians (The Castle, Wellingborough), Ghosts Of The Past and The Watchers (YMT:UK), Ballet People (The Place), Battlement (Vanbrugh Theatre), Let Him Have Justice (Cochrane Theatre), Spell, The Frog Prince (Wimbledon Studio Theatre and Edinburgh Festival) and Alice in Wonderland (Edinburgh Festival and tour). 

He is currently working an adaptation of the Terry Pratchett novel Soul Music for YMT:UK, and a dance piece based on acclaimed children’s book Bob Robber and Dancing Jane entitled Shadowthief which will premiere in summer 2014. 

Recently I spoke to Craig about why he decided to write Thérèse Raquin, the overwhelming success of LIFT and the state of new writing… 

How have you felt over the past few weeks with the build up to the opening of Thérèse Raquin?

Very nervous… [laughs] really nervous! It’s a really hard show; the subject matter is hard anyway because the book is very naturalistic. It doesn’t centre itself on emotion; it’s about how people deal with the story. When writing the music it was hard to not wallow in the emotion, it has to be more of a commentary. The score is really, really tricky – the cast have done a phenomenal job. It’s been hard but rewarding work!

Perfect Pitch announces award for new writers

Perfect Pitch and Royal & Derngate, Northampton, are offering British writers and composers the chance to create a brand new musical. The winning team of writers will be awarded a commission of £12,000 to complete a full draft of a new musical over a twelve month period supported and mentored throughout by Perfect Pitch and Royal & Derngate.

At the end of the year, once the show has been developed through workshops and readings, it will be presented in a professional staged reading. The award is open to all UK based writers - from playwrights and screenwriters to novelists and songwriters - and no previous experience of writing a musical is necessary. All details about eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Perfect Pitch and Royal & Derngate websites (follow hyperlinks).