I’m very much looking forward to working on three very different shows, in three very different environments this year:
First up is a trip to the emerald City!
As I’m always banging on about the importance of Music and the Arts in schools, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to help out my Son’s school, Wigston Academy, by MDing their forthcoming production of THE WIZARD OF OZ.
Since he started at the school I’ve been in awe of the time and dedication the staff put into giving the students the wonderful opportunity of being part of Musicals with fantastic production values. When two of the school’s music department left last year, I offered to help out if they were in need, and here we are!
It’s also over 20 years since I was last involved with two productions of this show (At The New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme and at Theatre By The Lake in Keswick), so it’s proving to be quite a nostalgia trip too!
If you’re in the Leicester or Wigston area, do come along and support – you’re in for a treat!
Next up, is the community production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Buxton Opera House, directed by Paul Kerryson:
Following on from last year’s production of SWEENEY TODD, and SLEEPING BEAUTY last Christmas, I’m thrilled to be back in Buxton again.
This is another nostalgia trip for me, as it was the first musical I was ever Musical Director for – with a production by the Drama Society at Liverpool University!
The show will be performed during the last week of May
Last, but not least, I’m privileged to be Musical Director and co-Supervisor for the UK and Ireland tour of SHREK:
Rehearsals begin in June, and we hit the road from July until April 2024
Keep an eye out for the BIG NIGHT OF MUSICALS on the BBC at the end of March for a sneak preview of the tour cast.
Full details of the tour dates, and tickets can be found HERE
Richard Atkinson 