William Finn, George Stiles, Percy Grainger, Conlon Nancarrow, Sherman Brothers... and all the obvious people like Gershwin, Porter, Sondheim etc. etc.
I'm a British composer and lyricist for musical theatre - some for families; some not!
With Darren Deeks I am currently writing Yiff!, a musical about the online community of "furries". More details at yiff.org.uk, or see a bit of an early workshop here:
You can watch the rest, if you fancy it, here. Yiff! was my graduating piece for the MA in Musical Theatre (writing) at Goldsmiths, University of London from which I recently graduated with distinction, and we've since showcased a longer excerpt from the show at the King's Head Theatre, Islington. Darren and I are currently working on plans for some other musical theatre projects while continuing Yiff!
Previously, with Thos Ribbits, I have written two "pantomusicals", which are pantomimes (in the British sense) with original scores, based on Victorian gothic source material: Dracula - The Vampire Strikes Back and Jekyll and Hyde - Make Mine A Double. More details about those two shows at pantomusicals.co.uk or you can see video of Jekyll and Hyde at our site
I am also a fairly regular presenter and interviewer for MusicalTalk, the UK's first independent musical theatre podcast, published weekly with interviews with the likes of Jerry Herman, Stephen Schwartz, Stiles and Drewe and other musical theatre practitioners. Check out the website at musicaltalk.co.uk
I am a keen follower of the rise of the Hip Hop musical. I just wish I could write that sort of thing, cos I think it's going to be the next major trend in musical theatre. However, check out Dean Atta, Richard Hale and Will Segal, who might just pull it off.
I also work as the Programme Co-ordinator for Mercury Musical Developments, an organisation devoted to helping develop writers of musical theatre. The website is at mercurymusicals.com
Hello, MyspaceTim! I can't believe you want to get rid of the apostrophe...! That would be a world turned upside-down. And you've used it in past emails, I just checked :P
I have drafted an email to mercury musicals but I have just moved to some student accommodation in a farm (country uni) where due to a weak tiscali connection, I cannot access emails, only Myspace (how insane it that!?). As soon as Uni begins and I can use email, I will be mailing it ASAP.
We are (Neil and I), thinking about doing a podcast for Wolfboy as we go through the various stages.
Thank you for the support and I look forward to reading and yes indeed, listening to you very soon.
