After a mere 35 years, I’m finally heading back to Rydell High School – to M.D. GREASE for a second time!
The first time was whilst I was a student at the University of Liverpool – and was only the 2nd time I’d ever been Musical Director for a show…
(For very many reasons, there will be a lot less knitwear involved this time around š¤Ŗ)
This time, I’m delighted to be returning to Kilworth House Theatre to M.D. my first show there, having previously played in the band for several productions.
The show runs from 29th July to 7th September and tickets are available HERE if you fancy popping along.
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 Iām always banging on about the importance of Music and the Arts in schools, Iām delighted to have the opportunity to help out my Sonās school, Wigston Academy, by MDing their forthcoming production of THE WIZARD OF OZ.
Since he started at the school Iāve 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 youāre in the Leicester or Wigston area, do come along and support – youāre in for a treat!
Next up, is the community production ofLITTLE 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
I’m absolutely thrilled to have been appointed Musical Director and Arranger for SLEEPING BEAUTY at Buxton Opera House this Christmas.
I had a great time as MD for their community production of SWEENEY TODD earlier this year, and to perform again in this beautiful Frank Matcham designed theatre will be amazing.
The show will be directed by Paul Kerryson, with choreography by Tracey Iliffe, and runs from Saturday 10th Dec 2022 until Sunday 1st January 2023.
I’m delighted to say that I will be Musical Director for the forthcoming production of SWEENEY TODD at the Buxton Opera House.
It’s some years since my last brush with the Demon Barber (At the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme), and it will be a challenge and an honour to revisit the masterful work of Stephen Sondheim – this time with Paul Kerryson directing.
Rehearsals are already underway – and the show will play for 5 performances from Friday 29th April to Sunday 1st May.
I’m thrilled to be heading back to Newcastle Theatre Royal this Christmas, as Musical Director for SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS – 3 years after my last Christmas on Tyneside.
The show runs from 23/11/2021 to 09/01/2022 – so do come and say hi if you’re around!
I’m absolutely delighted to be able to work in the theatre once more – and delighted to back out on the road with PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT – this time as Musical Director.
All things being well, we will be touring the UK until the end of October – at which point I’ll be starting rehearsals for Panto – details of which will follow shortly…
Please also feel free to add your own memories of the show ā either in the comments section at the bottom of the page, or on the Twitter & Facebook posts.
Please also feel free to add your own memories of the show ā either in the comments section at the bottom of the page, or on the Twitter & Facebook posts.Ā
Richard Atkinson 