University’s star role in musicals
EDGE Hill University has announced an exciting partnership with a company dedicated to new British musicals.
The university is already shaping the future of musical theatre through its new degree programme, but has now added a key partnership with Perfect Pitch, supported by Arts Council England.
Thanks to the partnership, students developed and performed Club Mexicano a new musical written by John-Victor and comedian/award-winning songwriter Tamar Broadbent.
A workshop production, meaning the musical is staged in a simpler and less polished style, Club Mexicano focuses on Mel’s hen night in an 18-30s holiday resort in Mexico.
Performed for the first time exclusively at Edge Hill earlier this month, it is hoped the musical might one day become a full professional production.
Wendy Barnes, Perfect Pitch Producer, said: “We commend Edge Hill for looking for unique learning experiences for their students.
“Workshopping brand new and innovative material from emerging British writers is a fantastic opportunity for the students to learn about the writing process and create new roles that have never been performed before.
“It is an equally rewarding experience for our writers and creatives to be developing their musicals with a team of talented young performers amid the wonderful facilities Edge Hill can offer.
“We look forward to finding new projects to continue our partnership in the future.”
Second-year musical theatre student Maggie Clarke said: “Having the opportunity to work with industry professionals and shape a brand new musical is brilliant.
“It’s been an amazing experience and counts as a professional performance that we can include in our CV.”
The partnership is an example of the University’s ambition to shape and promote musical theatre, particularly embracing opportunities in new productions that have not originated in the West End.
This growing sector allows for more timely and topical musical theatre, covering issues such as politics and race relations to appeal to new audiences.
Edge Hill Musical Theatre Lecturer, Clare Chandler, added: “Musical theatre is a growing, diverse area and I’m delighted that, as well as our membership of the Musical Theatre Network, we now have a working partnership with Perfect Pitch.
“This means our students have access to the country’s best writers, composers, producers and directors so they gain real experience of the many roles and skills needed in musical theatre.”