http://www.whatsonstage.com/reviews/theatre/southwest/E8831278495369/Billy+Bow+%28Southampton%29.html
Billy Bow, a workshop version of my latest musical is on at the Nuffield Theatre Southampton. See the review above. Tuesday night was the first performance and went very well indeed. Two more nights to go, and I think the whole show is sold out! Yay!
Story first then background. The show tells the true story of a young black woman who disguises herself as a man and serves aboard a warship in the Napoleonic era. Ian Friel, my collaborator (Book and co-lyricist with yours truly) is an eminent local maritime historian (and thoroughly lovely man) approached me a few years ago with the story which I thought straight away would make a terrific musical. We tinkered with it over a few years, but things really took off when the CCI (Creative Campus Initiative) sent out a call for responses to the 2012 Olympic games, looking for arts collaborative arts projects that reflected regional sports (sailing in this instance). We found some very terrific and enthusiastic project partners in the Nuffield Theatre and Solent University, and were granted funding to put on a workshop show at the Nuffield.
We have four professional actors: Amanda Wilkin as Billy Bow (an utterly spellbinding portrayal), David Burrows as Borrow the genial foretopman (a wonderful character actor and human being, possessing the widest array of hysterically funny and diverting stories - David knows EVERYONE in Britain - he MUST write a biography), Jon De Ville as the troubled Standing (also playing the geordie sailor Brady) (John may well be one of the nicest men I have ever worked with - a true professional, and good God what a beautiful voice - his scene and song is my favourite of the show) and the amazingly talented and (terrifyingly) intelligent Stephen Fewell as the racist slaver Miller - an awesome actor giving a great performance - bring nuanced layers of fascinating contradiction to his character. Stephen's insights into the show have been some of the most helpful to me personally.
We also have 15 student actors from Southampton and Solent universities all of whom have been incredibly impressive for their talent, professionalism and commitment. To give them their dues they are: Stephanie Prior, Stephanie Amies, Liberty Buckland, Bella Barlow, Michaela Bennison, Sarah Ellard, Amy Leach, Hayley Tutton, Louise Dhillon, Teddy Clements, Matt Ronchetti, Peter 'Pee Wee' Ward, Jake Snowdon, Hamish Ritchie and Mikey Porter. Libby, Hamish, Teddy and Matt all have major scenes which they carry off with enviable composure and aplomb.
It has been a hugely enjoyable experience developing material with these actors and with Ian whom is a generous and genial collaborator. The input of directors Tim Ford and Russ Tunney has also been utterly crucial and they have both brought rare insight, new perspectives and incredibly positive energy into the questioning and development of the material which is so much better for their input. The scenes of physical movement are really tremendous.The actors and students have responded really positively and enthusiastically to their guidance and suggestions. Sharon Lawless, producer has also been a miracle presence, managing to juggle a million things with composure, charm and tremendous grace under pressure. The production support team at the Nuffield, Charles and Emma on costumes, Julie stage managing, David on lights and Alex on sound have also been true professionals - easy and positive company, missing nothing. I am blessed in the band with the presence of old chum Baz Terraz on Bass and new chum Ed Denham on violin - both of whom agreed very willingly at short notice to do pick up the reins and are playing with enviable accomplishment.
In short it has bee a terrific experience and I am very much looking forward to tonight's show!
