Musical Futures has been a key part in Greenwich Theatre’s music theatre development programme for the past eight years, but this year the festival is changing; Greenwich Theatre has joined forces with Nitro to take the programme to a different level.

Since its formation in 1979, Nitro has created over 50 shows, developing opportunities for black artists in the UK and working with some of the most talented performers, composers and writers of the past three decades.

As part of its evolution, Musical Futures 2008 moves away from the traditional book musical to explore new ways for developing music theatre – using, among other things, a cappella voice, aerial skills, young writers, hip-hop, a touch of Bollywood and more.

Musical Futures will be staged at both Greenwich Theatre and Greenwich Dance Agency. To make it accessible to as many theatregoers as possible, the majority of the events are entirely free of charge.

Musical Futures Schedule:

Saturday 8 November, 13:30-16:30 - FREE

MABEL STARK: TIGER TAMER (Greenwich Theatre) By Jonathan Cooper and Barb Jungr
Presented by Jonathan Cooper and Barb Jungr in association with Greenwich Theatre and Nitro

FALLEN (Greenwich Dance Agency) Presented by Aerial Upswing
Following Angelique, a woman struggling to cope with the gaps between her fantasy and reality. As these dimensions blur, take form and collide, Angelique is forced to make a choice: love or life.

NO TIME (Greenwich Dance Agency) Presented by Irven Lewis Dance Company
A solo performance by Natalie Jaymez choreographed by Irven Lewis using as text/music Bridget Gray’s My Letter To Hip Hop.

THE SEARCHER (Greenwich Theatre) By Velona Pilcher, music by Edmund Rubbra
Presented by Two’s Company
The story of a Red Cross nurse tasked with tracking down missing soldiers. Underscored and accompanied by original music by Edmund Rubbra – his only composition never to have been published or recorded.


Saturday 8 November, 19:30 - £17.50, £15

BARB JUNGR (Greenwich Theatre)
A special repertoire combining chanson material with work from outside the Great American Songbook tradition.


Sunday 9 November, 14:45-18:00 – FREE

DRIVE RIDE WALK (Greenwich Theatre) Music and lyrics by Osnat Schmool, directed by Sabina Netherclift
Presented by The Bridewell theatre Company
Using an a cappella jazz score, body percussion and exciting physical performance, Drive Ride Walk brings to life the humorous and poignant struggles of living and travelling in the urban jungle.

THE SILVER SWORD (Greenwich Theatre) Presented by NEGUS Sixth Form Centre, directed by Shirley Sewell
Original workshop programme led by Susie McKenna and Rennel Shaw
A new musical piece inspired by Ian Serraillier’s 1956 novel, exploring notions of upheaval, migration and conflict.

WUTHERING HEIGHTS (Greenwich Theatre) Original concept and book by Deepak Verma, music by Sheema
Mukherjee & Felix Cross, lyrics by Felix Cross, presented by Tamasha
Based on the novel by Emily Bronte and drawing on a history of Indian cinema – from the brooding black-and-white epics of the ‘40s and ‘50s to colourful contemporary blockbusters.

MUSICAL FUTURES SYMPOSIUM (Greenwich Theatre) Presented in association with the PRS Foundation
A panel and audience discussion, exploring the place of music in new music theatre beyond the traditional form of the book musical. Panelists include Felix Cross, Artistic Director of Nitro, and Carol Metcalfe, Bridewell Theatre Company.