Sounds of England Project - Mercury Musical Developments - nurturing new musical theatre writing

Patrons: David Babani, Don Black, Judi Dench, Maria Friedman, Cameron Mackintosh, Julia McKenzie, Paul Nicholas, Harold Prince, Jeremy Sams, Stephen Sondheim, Richard Stilgoe

nurturing new musical theatre writing

new musicals | writers | develop your writing | join in | support us

about mmd | contact | log in (members) |

Sounds of England Project
deadline: 26 April 2010; open to writer and professional writer associates (non-associates may apply, but will have to join MMD if selected)

see more opportunities

posted 3 March 2010

Supported by Arts Council England

We are looking for writing teams to work on six short musicals with a distinctly English focus.

In a significant new project, MMD is working with three established musical theatre venues to develop six 30 minute pieces, which will receive workshops and readings at either the Watermill (Newbury), the Lowry (Manchester) and the Jermyn Street Theatre (London), which will also be video recorded and featured on the MMD YouTube channel, industry mailings and our website.

The theme is "Sounds of England". We are seeking proposals that reflect a distinctive English voice/theme, and do not try to recreate the "great American musical" (However, entries are welcome from writers of any national background). We are also looking for original ideas.

We are therefore seeking pitches, which will be sifted by a team of MMD jurors. The jury will include Heda Beeby of the Watermill, Porl Cooper of the Lowry Studio and Gene David Kirk of the Jermyn Street Theatre.

As this opportunity involves a public/industry platform, we will not match-make applicants for projects. Instead you should apply with the members of your team in place (or as a solo writer/composer).

Each show will have a 30 minute running time and a maximum cast of four. We will hire pro actors and directors to workshop and present the material.

The development period will be two weeks, including some time at the venue. There is a modest budget available for accommodation and travel expenses for the writing team, where required.

Get Involved

Please send the following to england@mercurymusicals.com by Monday 26 April:

a half-page synopsis for a 30 minute piece
a sample scene from the proposed show
Demo recordings, as MP3, of two songs from the proposed show.

Demo recordings need not be of professional quality.

If you need to send in material as CD instead of MP3, please contact neil@mercurymusicals.com for details.