Reviews of my work as a composer:
Cox & Box, Mrs Bouncer’s Legacy – Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
“…there is plenty of surreal farce and the witty lyrics are set to catchy tunes, frequently comically allusive as were Sullivan’s”.
Ron Simpson – What’s on stage
“…This adaptation of – and sequel to – Arthur Sullivan’s comic operetta nails its satirical targets brilliantly”.
Alfred Hickling – The Guardian
Great Expectations – Theatre by the lake, Keswick
“…Designer Martin Johns, composer Richard Atkinson and lighting designer Nick Beadle set the scene for us before a word is spoken, allowing the players to mesmerise us with some inspired performances.”
Anne Hopper – The Stage
The Maid of Buttermere – Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
“…an evocative chamber score from Richard Atkinson.”
Alfred Hickling – The Guardian
Tom’s Midnight Garden – Theatre by the lake, Keswick
“For any classic, channelling the ‘feel’ of the original is vital, and director Ian Forrest, designer Martin Johns, and composer/arranger Richard Atkinson triumph here. The music, played by cast members Liam Gerrard, Nick Dutton and Dan Wexler, is nicely atmospheric..”
Stephen Longstaffe – What’s on stage
Reviews of my work as a Musical Director:
HAIRSPRAY – National Tour 2018
“…the musicians are a talented, sensitive bunch, skilfully led by Richard Atkinson and supported by the Sound team – good twiddling, guys!
Tracey Dowson – The Northern Echo
Marlene – Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
“…sparkling live musical direction from Richard Atkinson”
Clare Brennan – The Observer
Don Giovanni – New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme
“The other miracle of Monks’ Mozart productions is that the musical standards are never compromised. The actors do not use microphones and can really sing. True, they have a much reduced orchestration to sing over, but the five-piece band puts across an extremely eloquent chamber version of the score.”
Alfred Hickling – The Guardian
Richard Atkinson 