HAIR - 20 YEARS ON

On 12th September 2005 it was the first preview of the Gate Theatre production of Hair, the official Press Night wasn't until Thursday 22nd. It was a reimagining of the original production, and was set in the present day. It still took the themes of the original, free love and anti-war demonsatration, but switched Vietnam for Iraq.

It was a bold reinvention of the piece by director Daniel Kramer, and it was an exciting opportunity for me to be both Musical Director and Musical Arranger. We were also lucky enough to have some new lyrics written for us by the original lyricist James Rado, which helped to add a further updated aspect to the production.

The cast and creative team have all gone on to have the most incredible careers, and it still remains one of my favourite shows out of the many I have done over the years.

The cast was made up of Charles Aiken (Claude), Gary Amers (Woof), Joanna Ampil (Sheila), Robyn Isaac (Jeanie), Lee Reynolds (Dionne), Golda Rosheuvel (Hud), Graham Tudor (George), Kevin Wathen (Berger), Nancy Wei-George (Crissy) along with Stuart Armfield, Miriam Elwell-Sutton, Kate Gillespie, Connor McAllister, Craig Perry and Laura Selwood.

The creative team was Daniel Kramer (Director), Soutra Gilmour (Designer), Charles Balfour (Lighting), Mick Potter (Sound), Ann Yee (Choreography), Penelope Challen (Costume), Steve Hill (Musical Director), Stephen Brooker (Musical Supervisor) and Stephen McCarthy (Music Preparation).