Musical Theatre Matters (MTM:UK)

New Administrative Director for MTM

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

MTM has a new Administrative Director! Laoise Davidson, was appointed in October 2009, after two competitive interview rounds. Laoise (pronounced Lisha) takes over from Chris Grady who has now taken on the role of Head of External Relations at the Theatre Royal in Bury St. Edmunds. Laoise previously worked as Head of Communications for the Jewish Music Institute and as a freelance Arts Event Manager. She is a professional Jazz singer and occasional Cabaret artist, who grew up on all the great old musicals. "I love musicals! I am very fond of the old musicals because they remind me of when I was a kid, but I am really keen for new musicals to push through to ensure this wonderful art form continues far into the new millenium." Laoise is keen to help MTM grow and develop from its solid foundations planted by Chris and MTM members.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss MTM and its future with Laoise, please get in touch – info@musicaltheatrematters.org.uk

Winners announced for 2009 MTM:UK Awards at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Musical Theatre Matters (MTM:UK) has announced this year’s award winners in a special gala event at Musical Theatre @ George Square which took place on Tuesday 25th August. The awards, sponsored by OD Musical (Korea) and Whatsonstage.com, were assessed by a team of judges and the results are as follows:

MOST PROMISING BOOK for a NEW MUSICAL

ED: THE MUSICAL – Stuart Price

MOST PROMISING LYRICS for a NEW MUSICAL

BARBERSHOPERA II – Rob Castell and Tom Sadler

MOST PROMISING MUSIC for a NEW MUSICAL

OVER THE THRESHOLD – Christopher Hamilton

MOST PROMISING NEW MUSICAL

ED: THE MUSICAL – Stuart Price (book), Michael Bruce (music/lyrics), Lauren Southwick (director) and Stopped Clock (producer)

BEST PRODUCTION of a MUSICAL

ACCIDENTAL NOSTALGIA – Cynthia Hopkins with Jim Findlay and Jeff Sugg

JUDGES DISCRETIONARY AWARDS
All the following individuals receive awards.

ARTHUR DARVILL, for the music in BEEN SO LONG
MC DIZRAELI, for his performance in THE REBEL CELL
PIPPA CLEARY, for the development of THE GREAT BRITISH SOAP OPERA

Commenting on the process, Awards Co-ordinator Fiona Orr said: "The Judging Panel have made awards that reflect the increasing talent shown in Edinburgh across the Musical Theatre genre. The inaugural Judges’ Discretionary Awards are particularly interesting as it gives the panel the opportunity to recognise and reward talent beyond the main MTM Awards.”

The MTM:UK Awards were established in 2007 to champion the next generation of Musical Theatre producers, writers and shows. Whilst Musical Theatre is not excluded from many other Edinburgh awards, the artform did not seem to be achieving the plaudits deserved by the creatives. In addition we wanted to ensure that all new works received a review on-line which could help lead audiences, other critics, and talent spotters to this new work. In the first two years we reviewed 132 mainly new works and 11 shows were selected for commendations and awards.

Many of those pieces, or the creatives involved have moved on – 6 of the 11 have had presentations in London, one has recently played the New York Summer Play Festival, three have had UK tours. With the help of the whole industry we can, we hope, raise the profile of the next generation of Musical Theatre so that audiences will grow familiar of new names, and welcome new projects.

Musical Theatre Matters (MTM:UK) is a not-for-profit organisation established in the UK by and for professional theatre creatives/producers wishing to develop and champion new musicals, new opportunities and new writers throughout the UK.

Please click here to download the full press release.

Nominations announced for 2009 MTM:UK Awards at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

This year, we’re proud to be associated with our sponsors, OD Musical (Korea) and Whatsonstage.com.

The nominations are as follows:

Nominations for the BEST BOOK for a NEW MUSICAL

A-TEAM – THE MUSICAL – Gareth Kane
ED: THE MUSICAL – Stuart Price
MURDER MYSTERY MUSICAL – Alister Cameron and Shaun McKenna

Nominations for the BEST LYRICS for a NEW MUSICAL

BARBERSHOPERA II – Rob Castell and Tom Sadler
ED: THE MUSICAL – Michael Bruce
OVER THE THRESHOLD – Christopher Hamilton

Nominations for the BEST MUSIC for a NEW MUSICAL

BLOODBATH – THE MUSICAL – David Young & Julie Maguire
ED: THE MUSICAL – Michael Bruce
OVER THE THRESHOLD – Christopher Hamilton

Nominations for the BEST NEW MUSICAL

ED: THE MUSICAL – Stuart Price (book), Michael Bruce (music/lyrics), Lauren Southwick (director) and Stopped Clock (producer)
GREAT BRITISH SOAP OPERA, THE – Jake Brunger (book/lyrics), Pippa Cleary (music/lyrics), Luke Sheppard (director) and Take Note Theatre (producer)
OVER THE THRESHOLD – Christopher Hamilton (music/book/lyrics), John Brant (director) and Jomo Productions in Association with Perfect Pitch (producers)
PORN THE MUSICAL – Malcolm Galea (book/lyrics), Kris Spiteri (music/lyrics) and Boris Cezek (music/lyrics), Malcolm Galea (director) and Indiskarf with Latina Pictures (producers)

Nominations for the BEST PRODUCTION of a MUSICAL
(Both new productions and revivals are eligible for the award)

ACCIDENTAL NOSTALGIA – Cynthia Hopkins with Jim Findlay and Jeff Sugg
GREAT BRITISH SOAP OPERA, THE – Take Note Theatre
REBEL CELL, THE – SPL
SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL – Showstopper Productions in association with The Sticking Place and Festival Highlights

In addition to the nominations, above, the panel wished to put forward nominations for a JUDGES DISCRETIONARY AWARD

CYNTHIA HOPKINS – Accidental Nostalgia, for pushing the boundaries of performance through technology
REBEL CELL, THE – For creative use of technology
SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL – For an ensemble that creates a first night, every night!

Commenting on the process, Awards Co-ordinator Fiona Orr said: "The nominations were reached unanimously after a passionate and lengthy debate within the assessment panel. The amount and quality of Musical Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year has impressed and we now look forward to the judging panel's final decisions on the winners."

Over the next week the Judges will review each show and reach agreement by the time of the announcement as part of a special gala event in aid of the Musicians Benevolent Fund at Musical Theatre @ George Square, Tuesday 25th August at 7.00pm.

Please click here to download the full press release.

Musical Theatre Venue Announces 40 Exciting Masterclasses

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Festival’s first and only dedicated venue for Musical Theatre have announced an exciting programme of masterclasses aimed at Fringe addicts.

Musical Theatre @ George Square will present 40 events led by industry experts to prepare performers for careers beyond Edinburgh. The event’s leaders include Olivier Award-winning composer George Stiles (Mary Poppins, Honk) and top West End producer Richard Jordan (Falstaff, Dumb Show).

For the second year the programme includes a wealth of speakers who will look at every aspect of Musical Theatre: producing, promoting, training and development. With two classes a day, the programme covers four main areas and will inspire and inform, providing a valuable insight into theatre professions:

Writers in conversation including:

Iain Finlay Macleod (St Kilda, Edinburgh International Festival), who will talk about writing his opera showing over the festival period.
George Stiles (Honk, Mary Poppins, Just So), talking about writing new musicals and how to survive the process.
Conor Mitchell (Mathilde, Goblin Market, Have A Nice Life) talks about his inspiration for writing from a composer’s point of view.

The Craft of Musical Theatre including:

Jenifer Toksvig (Lyricist and Bookwriter) on the art of collaboration where every participant will get to work with Play-doh.
Mary Stewart David (Lyricist and Book Doctor) one of the most respected teachers of lyric writing
Tim Saward (Programme Co-ordinator, Mercury Musical Developments) on how to succeed in business as a writer.

Practical Discussions including:

Annemarie Lewis Thomas (Principal, Musical Theatre Academy) on preparing for drama school
Louise Grainger (Equity) on the role of Equity and how not to break a leg
Neil Laidlaw (Producer) on surviving as a commercial producer
Joanne Benjamin (Producer) on producing in the West End.

Getting New Work on in the UK is explored in a series of sessions including:

Andy Barnes (Producer, Perfect Pitch Musicals) looking at the Arts Council funded Perfect Pitch network
Richard Jordan (Producer) looking at the work of MTM:UK and his own world of international production
David Waters (Managing Director, Stagescripts) looking at publishing and licensing new work.
Joanna Drake, Head of the European Union in Malta, will running a masterclass on the EU, while visiting the production of Porn! The Musical which has arrived in town direct from Malta’s capital Valetta.

To download a full list of masterclasses, please click here.

Tickets are available at £6 (£4 concessions).

Book online at www.festivals.ed.ac.uk or call 0131 651 1292.

Whatsonstage.com Sponsors MTM:UK Awards

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Popular theatre website, Whatsonstage.com, has signed up as a sponsor for this year's MTM:UK Awards along with Korean organisation OD Musical.

Whatsonstage.com’s Terri Paddock, who will also be presenting at the MTM: UK Awards ceremony, said: “We’ve long been fans of the work that Musical Theatre Matters does year-round in fostering the careers of up-and-coming musical theatre practitioners. And we were especially keen to get more involved in their exciting activities at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. We are delighted to come on board as a sponsor.”

Chris Grady, founding chair of Musical Theatre Matters, said: "I was delighted to have an impromptu meeting with Whatsonstage.com and find that we seemed to have a perfect fit. Whatsonstage.com wanted to draw even more of their customer base into participation of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and we at MTM:UK wanted to find the best way to champion our third year of the Musical Theatre awards, which are about uncovering the next generation of writers, producers, and theatre companies who may play in major theatres across the UK in years to come. What better then to have Whatsonstage.com as a sponsor of the 2009 Awards and for Terri Paddock to join our independent judging panel?”

In addition to the MTM: UK Awards, Whatsonstage.com has signed up to help promote a free cabaret series at the Musical Theatre @ George Square, running nightly at 10pm throughout the festival, and a late-night University Challenge-style musical theatre quiz, for which readers of Whatsonstage.com will be invited to help generate the questions that will get the student-contestants reaching for their buzzers.

For more information on this year's awards, please click here.

Theatrevoice: Focus On Musical Theatre

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A bit of a blast from the past, but an interesting audio discussion from Theatrevoice.com never-the-less.

Mark Shenton (Sunday Express) joins a panel of guests at the Jermyn Street Theatre, London, in a seminar, Small World, Isn't It?, to assess the state of the UK fringe musical.

Speakers: Tom Littler, director of the Jermyn Street production of Sondheim's Saturday Night; Sasha Regan, artistic director of the Union; Caroline Humphries, musical supervisor for the Menier's A Little Night Music; Chris Grady, the Chair of Musical Theatre Matters; and composer Catherine Jayes.

Listen Online at http://www.theatrevoice.com/listen_now/player/?audioID=669

Conference on Teaching Musical Theatre in UK Higher Education

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

'"Putting It Together": Teaching Musical Theatre in UK Higher Education'
University Theatre, Newton Park Campus, Bath Spa University
Friday 27 March 2009 - Saturday 28 March 2009

The purpose of this conference is to stimulate debate around musical theatre provision in UK higher education. While this is a popular and growing area of study, musical theatre remains something of an afterthought in many institutions, often positioned slightly awkwardly within either a music or drama department.

This conference aims to bring together teachers from across the UK to address the specific challenges and questions of designing and teaching musical theatre modules and courses. The focus of the conference will be on interaction between delegates, sharing ideas and good practice, as well as identifying ways in which teachers who work within this area might strengthen their connection to each other and to the theatre industry.

Details of travel information and accommodation for delegates attending this event are available on the following web page: http://www.palatine.ac.uk/events/view/1365/

Original British Musical Takes Off at Jermyn Street for Limited Season

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Jet Set Go!, a sell-out show at last year’s Edinburgh Festival, touches down in London for three weeks at Jermyn Street Theatre from Tuesday 31 March to Saturday 18 April 2009.

Take to the skies with a tantalisingly tuneful team of fun-loving cabin crew in this brand new British musical. With romance rampaging in the sky, a lustful stopover in New York sends sexual tensions spiralling high. Fasten your seatbelts for this exhilarating London première, with an original score by Notes for the Stage finalist, Pippa Cleary. As the crew sing up the aisles and tap dance down Broadway, it’s a journey that you’ll never forget.

Jet Set Go! takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the lives of those working in the skies, with a host of adorable characters, including the Puerto Rican stewardess (and seductress) Julia, who has a lover in every country, and the idealistic Ryan, who longingly dreams of his perfect guy. Its contemporary take on love (and lust) is a uniquely uplifting experience.

Take Note Theatre was founded to bring new musical theatre to a wider audience. Integral to this policy is its commitment to working with writers and composers to develop new work and further British musical theatre. In 2008 the company produced two musicals at the Edinburgh Festival, both of which enjoyed sold out runs and critical acclaim. In 2009, the company is producing Jet Set Go! for its season at Jermyn Street Theatre and developing two new projects for production later in the year, both in Edinburgh and London.

Produced by Take Note Theatre in association with Jermyn Street Theatre, Jet Set Go! has book and lyrics by Jake Brunger, music and lyrics by Pippa Cleary, and is directed and choreographed by Luke Sheppard and developed in collaboration with Take Note Theatre.

For more information, and to book tickets, visit www.jetsetgolondon.co.uk

Primavera supports new musicals at Saturday Night

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

To celebrate the UK premiere of Stephen Sondheim's revised version of his first musical SATURDAY NIGHT at the Jermyn Street Theatre from 10 February – 14 March 2009, Primavera Productions are holding three very special events, to take place after the Saturday matinee performances, in support of new musical theatre.

Saturday 21st February, 5.30pm
"Small World, Isn't It?": The Rise of Small-Scale Musicals.

This panel discussion on staging musicals in smaller theatres will be chaired by leading theatre critic Mark Shenton (The Stage, Sunday Express), with a panel of representatives from the Menier Chocolate Factory, the Union Theatre and the Watermill Theatre as well as the director of Saturday Night.

The discussion will cover the reasons behind the growing trend of smaller productions of musicals, and the implications for audiences and artists of this rapidly developing form. Come along with a question for our panel of experts, or just to hear what is sure to be a fascinating discussion.

Saturday 28th February & Saturday 7th March, 5.30pm
"Three by Three": showcases of songs by Mark Allcorn, Alexander Bermange, Matt Board, Dougal Irvine, Rebecca Applin & Susannah Pearse and Caroline Trettine

As SATURDAY NIGHT was Sondheim's first musical, written when he was just 24, Primavera is excited to have the opportunity to work with some of today's young maestros. These showcases will take place after matinee performances on Saturday 28th February (featuring Alexander Bermange, Matt Board and Caroline Trettine) and Saturday 7th March (featuring Mark Allcorn, Dougal Irvine and Rebecca Applin & Susannah Pearse). Each showcase will feature three songs from each composer.

BOOKING TICKETS: To book your place at any of these events, please e-mail saturdaynightmusical@gmail.com. All events are free if you buy or have bought a ticket to SATURDAY NIGHT for any performance; or £5 for non-ticket holders, which is redeemable against a ticket to a future performance of SATURDAY NIGHT!

For more information on SATURDAY NIGHT starring Helena Blackman, please visit: www.saturdaynightmusical.com

MTM:UK Announces Second Annual Conference on The Creative Business of Musical Theatre

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Following the success of the First Annual Conference of Musical Theatre Matters (MTM:UK), which saw over 150 professionals gather for the first time to talk about developing new musical theatre in 2008, the second has been scheduled to take place on Friday 6 March 2009, 9.30am – 6.00pm, at Leicester Square Theatre.

Where last years conference concentrated on discussing the development of new work in the Musical Theatre genre, the 2009 conference will this time look at the business behind that – exploring “The Creative Business of Musical Theatre”. This topic covers issues such as changing lives, changing world and the power of music, encouraging investment and business innovation, developing new business models and encouraging the next generation of entrepreneurs as well as collaboration between different sectors and industries.

Delegates will be treated to a day at London’s newest theatre - Leicester Square Theatre (formally The Venue) – to listen to speakers, take part in discussions and Q&As, come up with ideas in breakaway groups as well as taking advantage of valuable networking time over teas and coffees as well as a Chinese buffet lunch, to compliment the Chinatown location, all included in the rates.

General booking is now open, with reasonable rates tailored for individuals and organisations alike, ranging from £50.00 - £250.00. Delegates are asked to book as quickly as possible as it is anticipated that the conference will become fully booked. Those wishing to join the MTM:UK network at the same time can take advantage of member discount rates.

Founded in 2005, Musical Theatre Matters (MTM:UK) is a not-for-profit organisation established in the UK by and for professional theatre creatives/producers wishing to develop and champion new musicals, new opportunities and new writers throughout the UK. MTM:UK has three initial aims: a) to increase knowledge, b) to encourage a community and c) to champion new musical theatre initiatives. Members share one core belief: that Musical Theatre Matters.

To date, MTM:UK has hosted over 30 members meetings, as well as a number of road shows throughout the UK and workshops along with other informal networking events. They also run the MTM:UK Awards at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

To view up-to-date details on topics and speakers, and to book your place, at the conference now, please visit www.musicaltheatrematters.org.uk/conference-09/

Notes for Editors

1. Musical Theatre Matters

MTM:UK membership is open to any professional practitioner working within the broad world of musical theatre. Individuals, organisations, TMA, ITC and SOLT members, subsidised and commercial, freelance directors, designers, choreographers and musical directors.

2. Conference Prices

General booking begins at £60.00 (Associate – Student/Apprentice/Trainee), then £130.00 (International Individual), £150.00 (Individual), £200.00 (International Organisation – for three delegates), and £250.00 (Organisation – for three delegates). Additional places can be booked for a £50.00 charge.

MTM:UK Members – and those wishing to join the network at the same time as attending the conference - can enjoy discounted rates on all the above, which include 2009/10 membership renewal to the network, via the website.

3. Location

Leicester Square Theatre is located at 6 Leicester Place, just off Leicester Square. The theatre is two minutes' walk from Leicester Square tube station, and ten minutes' walk from Charing Cross mainline station. There are also a number of local bus routes nearby. For more information, visit www.leicestersquaretheatre.com

4. ChrisGrady.org

Musical Theatre Matters (MTM:UK) is managed by ChrisGrady.org, an organisation which provides services in arts programming, training, management and consultancy. For more information, please visit www.chrisgrady.org

// ENDS

Press Contact for Musical Theatre Matters (MTM:UK):

Tom Atkins - tom@chrisgrady.org

If you wish to attend part of the conference on behalf of your press organisation, then please apply for accreditation - in advance - to the email address above.

Planning starts for the second season of Musical Theatre at George Square for Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2009

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Following the popular, critical, and artistic success of Musical Theatre @ George Square, planning has now begun for 2009! The University of Edinburgh Festivals Office will again join forces with ChrisGrady.org and Pleasance Theatres in producing a Musical Theatre Programme to grasp everyone’s attention.

For August 2009, the project will be back offering Edinburgh Fringe audiences an alternative dedicated venue with a diverse programme of emerging talents, established talent and brand new Musicals. This year George Square Theatre also hosted a lively, and very sparkly, café bar and box office creating a hub for our other dedicated Musical Theatre Venues George 2, George 3 and George 4.

All four venues, cleverly created and adapted for this year’s project, were an amazing success, attracting new audiences and thrilling existing Fringe-goers. This year allowed for a large programme, ranging from an intimate exchange with a solo performer to the spectacle of dance and choral power - this project really is something to talk about!

Musical Theatre @ George Square in 2008 was the overall banner for five different audience experiences:

• George 1, with 481 seats, which this year rang to the battle cries of ONLY THE BRAVE starring Niamh Perry and Keith Jack.
• George 2, the intimate 87 seat space, offered the world premiere of JET SET GO which has already had a London transfer and is on the hot list of many producers.
• George 3 (Free) offered a dedicated free masterclass programme for performers, producers, singers and writers.
• George 4, with 275 seats, gave audiences the chance to be part of BIG BRUVVA – THE MUSICAL or to celebrate the coming of age of the lads from DEPARTURE LOUNGE (a new work also in discussion for long-term commercial production).
• And finally the Singers Café where performers and audience had the chance to let their hair down, sing and showcase the best of Musical Theatre.

Musical Theatre @ George Square is to British Musical Theatre what off-off-Broadway is to the New York and American scene – open to all, willing audiences to experiment, and giving a platform for professional discovery. The search for exciting new projects, enterprising producers, and shows that will pack a punch (and a large auditorium) begins in earnest this month.

The exact format for 2009 is to be confirmed, with details to follow at a later date.
For past details of the 2008 programme, please visit: http://www.festivals.ed.ac.uk/

Interested parties are invited to contact the programming consultants, ChrisGrady.org, at the earliest opportunity. For more information, please visit: http://www.chrisgrady.org/

Jet Set Go! transfers to London's Theatre503

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

NB. The hit musical has announced a further London production at Jermyn Street Theatre. Click here for more information.

Hit Edinburgh Fringe Musical, Jet Set Go! by Pippa Cleary and Jake Brunger, will transfer to London's new writing powerhouse Theatre503 for a limited engagement, 2-6 September 2008 @ 8.00pm nightly.

For only the second time in its 25-year history and the current artistic directorship of Tim Roseman and Paul Robinson, Theatre503 will play host to a brand new musical. Jet Set Go! transfers from a highly successful sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2008 where it received rave reviews from all the major Festival press and special commendations at the Musical Theatre Matters (MTM:UK) Awards.

Jet Set Go! is the first “home grown” musical by Take Note Theatre associate composer, Pippa Cleary, and associate writer, Jake Brunger. The production was initially presented in repertoire with I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at Musical Theatre @ George Square, the fringe festival’s first dedicated series of new musical theatre venues, prior to being offered the London transfer in Theatre503’s traditional post-Edinburgh slot which was designed to show off the best that the festival had to offer.

Commenting on the transfer, artistic director Tim Roseman stated:

“Theatre503 has always been committed to nurturing the freshest emerging talent, and we are hugely excited to be starting to work with musical writers alongside straight dramatists. Pippa Cleary and Jake Brunger have a glorious, generous style and a humour that is all-too uncommon in musical theatre. Jet Set Go! is a fabulous first piece from promising company Take Note Theatre, and we were attracted to its verve, wit, laugh-out-loud humour, joyous numbers and sheer spirit. We are looking forward to working with them on the development of the piece while it is with us.”

To book tickets, please visit: http://www.theatre503.com/

Special MTM:UK Members Offer: On Thursday 4 September, tickets for MTM:UK members are just £8.00! To take advantage of the offer, call the box office on 020 7978 7040 or buy on the door.

Winners announced for 2008 MTM:UK Awards at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The winners have been announced for the second annual Musical Theatre Awards at Edinburgh's Festival Fringe. The ceremony took place at 10am in the Music Hall at Assembly @ George Street in front of a full audience, where several other awards (including the Scotsman’s final Fringe Firsts) were also announced. The MTM:UK segment was presented by Dr. Nick Phillips, Head of Musical Theatre at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, and West End star Frances Ruffelle.

One production – BARBERSHOPERA! – walked away with two awards: the MTM:UK Award for Best Lyrics in a New Musical and the prestigious OD Musical Award for Most Promising New Musical. Two other award winners were also announced – DEPARTURE LOUNGE won the MTM:UK Award for Best Music in a New Musical (music by Dougal Irvine), and FUNK IT UP ABOUT NOTHIN’ received the Dress Circle Award for Best Musical Production. They also closed the whole ceremony with a performance of their rap title song.

The judging panel, this year, decided not to give an award in the Best Book for a New Musical. Whilst a highly unusual decision, the judges felt that there were no Musicals with a book of a high enough quality at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2008. Instead, the move to withhold the Best Book award is hoped to be seen to set a certain bar for next year which we hope companies, bringing Musical Theatre to next year’s festival, will feel challenged to strive to achieve.

Click here for a full list of the winners.

Click here to read our news story on the nominations announcements.

BBC Scotland: Sound of musicals at Fringe

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

BBC Scotland paid a visit to George Square Theatres at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the festival's first set of dedicated Musical Theatre venues, last week and recorded a video report featuring segments from the European Premiere production of Zanna, Don't! (RSAMD) and the World Premiere of a brand new Musical, Only The Brave (Daniel Sparrow and Patrick Gracey), starring reality TV favourites - Keith Jack and Niamh Perry.

Andrew Panton, Head of Musical Theatre at RSAMD, and Chris Grady, Chair of MTM:UK, are among the individuals who are interviewed.

Click here to watch the report.

Nominations announced for 2008 MTM:UK Awards at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The nominations have been announced for the second annual Musical Theatre Awards at Edinburgh's Festival Fringe. Two productions – DEPARTURE LOUNGE at Musical Theatre @ George Square and ON THE ISLAND OF AARS at Pleasance Courtyard - are leading the pack with nominations for all five titles.

Last year’s winners have since had big successes with; Eurobeat (which won the Best Musical Production award) just about to head into the West End after a major tour; Truth In Translation (for which Hugh Masekela won Best Composer) which received a lengthy US tour last year and embarks on a Balkan tour in September 2008; and Tir Nan Og (which won the Dress Circle Award for Best New Musical) transferred to London as part of the Perfect Pitch festival of new Musicals and received a highly successful tour of Scotland.

This year, we’re proud to be associated with our sponsors, OD Musical (Korea) and Dress Circle in London.

Click here for a full list of the nominees.

Over the next week the Judges will review each show and reach agreement by the time of the announcement as part of the Scotsman Fringe First Awards Ceremony on Friday 22^nd August at Assembly Hall.

Co-Chair of the Awards panel, Dr. Nick Phillips, announced the 2008 nominations on stage at George Square Theatres, the first dedicated set of Musical Theatre venues at the Edinburgh Fringe, as part of the MTM:UK Question Time on the morning of Saturday 16 August 2008. He comments:

"When considering the selection of nominated musicals in our five categories we started from the basis that Musical Theatre can be viewed in terms of the noun ‘theatre’ and the adjective ‘musical’ to describe shows which focus on character in action expressed through song and/or dance. Rather than being a simple escape, it is perhaps the most complex form of theatrical synthesis and hence why so much of it fails to reach the aspirations of this most complex of forms.

In addition we wanted to measure the relative success of how a show balances the demands of inner dramatic tension with overt theatricality and convention. It has been particularly interesting to note the strength of musical comedy this year in the 49 shows viewed, in particular aspirations to lyrical wit, and this is reflected in the nominations.”

These awards are now in their second year, having been launched in 2007 to celebrate the creativity of the Fringe and the potential of those creating work in Britain today.

MTM:UK Chair, Chris Grady, Speaks to TheatreVoice

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Chris Grady, the Chair of Musical Theatre Matters:UK, was interviewed by the online podcasting service TheatreVoice last month. It's now online and available to stream or download.

For anyone interested in the history of the Vivian Ellis Prize or the founding of MTM:UK, please do take a listen and hear Chris talk about the state of new work in the UK as well as George Square Theatres in Edinburgh, a venue dedicated to Musical Theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Listen at: http://www.theatrevoice.com/listen_now/player/?audioID=596

Musical Theatre Masterclasses - George 3

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

This is an old news story. Please click here for the 2009 Masterclasses.

37 Free Masterclasses at George Free
As part of the
Musical Theatre at George Square season
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Aug 2008

With thousands of performers, writers, producers, directors and committed audience members descending of Edinburgh through August, CGO is preparing a programme to allow each and all to run away from their current show and go back to school for 90 minutes, in the company of some teachers and guides across every facet of Musical Theatre creation.

In conjunction with the University of Edinburgh Festivals Office, located at Alison House, the University Music Department, each class will be for a max of 25 people (*) and places can be booked via the Fringe office, at the Musical Theatre at George Square box office or www.festivals.ed.ac.uk in the unusual way. (* a few classes are marked for fewer people – check with the box office).

Tutors include John Sparks, from Theatre Building Chicago flying in for just two days, David James, chair of the UK Writers Guild Theater Writing Committee, Des O’Connor ukulele, vaudeville and musical theatre composer, Donna Soto-Moretini who’s work as vocal coach and guide on Nancy, Joseph and Maria searches gives her a unique insight into “the Reality of Reality” and audition techniques to get you through, Richard Jordan looking at producing in Edinburgh and beyond, Chris Grady hoping to give a few insights into sponsorship, fundraising and developing new work, and Anne Marie Lewis Thomas, composer, teacher, and director of the new Musical Theatre Academy in in London.

Bookwriters and composers will share their experience, and challenge perceptions of Musical Theatre in a series of classes led by Julian Wolford, Susannah Pearse, Trevor Alexander. Directors and Choreographers will explore staging Musical Theatre led by Dr Nick Phillips, Sally Rapier, Helen and Jamie Read. And there’ll be a chance to explore Improv, songwriting with the Showstopper team of Adam McGuido and Dylan Emery.

Writers of Musical Theatre will have two sessions when they can “pitch” new work and new ideas to a panel led by Andy Barnes, the creator and director of Perfect Pitch Development and look at ways that writers can develop their work, their craft, and their chances.

Musical Theatre at George Square is a first year collaboration between the University and CGO to host a dedicated programme of new work and new productions at the very heart of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Running from July 31st – Aug 25th across 3 paid performance venues and the masterclass spaces. Below George 1 there will be the Singers’ Café every night where performers can do their stuff, and throughout the day the Café and Dress Circle (the west end music store open for business in Edinburgh this August) will welcome performers, musical theatre lovers, and passers by on the way to the Meadows. Drop in and see what’s happening.

To download the schedule for all the masterclasses, please click here.

Arts Council London funds MTM:UK

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

At the AGM on Mon 7th July Nick Williams of Arts Council London confirmed a grant to MTM:UK for 2008/9 towards the development of the network with an intention that this funding will be continued for the next two years.

“We had asked for £7,500 per year to help with our work. We are delighted that the officers and powers that be at the Arts Council have made that offer to us, and endorsed enthusiastically the work which we have done since our formation in Dec 05. Thanks to Nick, to Emma Stenning, previous Head of Theatre for Arts Council London, and Jemima Lee, a long-time champion for new Musical Theatre work during her years in the drama department at Arts Council London.

Its taken 16 years of gentle discussion to reach the point where Musical Theatre is included as a Strategy objective in any area of the Arts Council. At the last AGM in 2007 when Emma and Jemima first met MTM and challenged us to put our case carefully and constructively to change Policy, through to last month, has been a fascinating and immensely positive time for us. And the result is great” Chris Grady/Chair MTM:UK

George Square Theatre plans 2008

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

GEORGE SQUARE THEATRE TO BE CENTRE FOR A FESTIVAL OF MUSICAL THEATRE DURING EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE 2008

For the first time in the Fringes history, Edinburgh has a dedicated home for Musical Theatre as George Square Theatre plans for the best of new and classic Musical Theatre across three performance spaces. The Festivals Office at the University of Edinburgh will be operating the venue in partnership with Chris Grady.org and supported by Anthony Alderson and his highly renowned team at Pleasance Theatre. Chris was previously Head of Licensing of Cameron Mackintosh; he founded Musical Theatre Matters (MTM:UK) in 2005 and established the first Edinburgh Festival Fringe MTM:UK Musical Theatre Awards in 2007.

These spaces George 1, George II and George Free will be complemented by a musical caf and bar, musical theatre shop, talks, master classes and showcases. George Square Theatres will be THE place to be this Festival. Almost a Festival within a Festival the Edinburgh Festival of Musical Theatre.

Chris Grady commented I am delighted that the University of Edinburgh Festivals Office have decided to offer companies and audiences the very first dedicated venues for Musical Theatre. Edinburgh is a fantastic launch pad for new writers, new talent, and new producers. It is also a great opportunity for professional, student and community companies to offer audiences productions of musical theatre classics. Working with the Pleasance Theatre management and technical teams on the development of George II and the marketing of the programme will hopefully ensure the best possible start for this important initiative. Now we look forward to listening to many new projects for this years Festival
The University of Edinburgh Festivals Office is heavily involved in all Edinburghs various festivals throughout the year, in particular, The Edinburgh International Science Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes place 3rd-25th August 2008 and marks a return for George Square Theatre following a major refurbishment in 2007. Owned by the University, its 481 capacity auditorium will be supported by a 95 seat Studio space, with wide open musical theatre stage. In addition, a third free performance space completes the project creating a focus and centre for musical theatre.