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).

JASON THOMAS PERFORMING ARTS

I'm happy to confirm that I'll be joining Jason Thomas Performing Arts as their new Musical Director and Vocal Coach from September. I'll be taking over the reigns from Thomas Hare, who is leaving after an impressive ten years at the college. It's always chalenging stepping into an established course, but I'll be concentrating on continuing the amazing work that he has already achieved while also adding my own stamp to the lessons and performances.

Jason Thomas Performing Arts is based in the centre of Truro and combines a two-year Foundation Course in Dance and Musical Theatre, an Associate of Trinity College London Diploma, as well as evening classes for both children and adults. The broad range of both age and ability requires varying approaches, and so it will be great to draw on the experience I've gained in the various colleges I've worked at over the past twenty years and pass that on to the new and existing students.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

This year is shaping up to be a pretty busy one for me, but I'm really pleased to have been able to fit in being Musical Director for Charlie And The Chocolate Factory at The Hall For Cornwall. I was lucky enough to work with Anthony Newley back in 1989, but I could never have imagined that thirty-six years later I would be entrusted once more with his famous music and lyrics.

The Redruth Amateur Operatic Society Trust (RAOST) is one of Cornwall's leading amateur companies, having been founded in 1909, and this musical marks their return to The Hall For Cornwall stage after a gap of fourteen years. The timing of the show couldn't be more perfect, with the beginning of the summer holidays coinciding with opening night, so it's the ideal way to keep the kids enteratined for at least 3 hours!

The Director for Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is Helen Hartshorne and the Sound Designer is Nathan May, who I was lucky enough to work with on Jack And The Beanstalk. The production runs from Wednesday 30th July to Saturday 2nd August.