London's The Other Palace presents public workshop performances of the new musical Redcliffe May 29–31 at The Other Palace Studio.
Written by Jordan Luke Gage (Bonnie & Clyde, Heathers, & Juliet), the script-in-hand performances feature Gage as William, Liam Tamne as Richard, Lauren Drew as Esther, Nadine Higgin as Georgie, Leanne Jones as Landlady, Matteo Johnson as Jacob, Jessica Lee as Louisa, Rebecca Lock as Mother, Joseph Peacock as Arthur/2nd Officer, Steven Serlin as Judge/Officer, Jess Douglas Welsh as Abigail, and Russell Wilcox as Landlord John Baber. Bronagh Lagan directs.
With orchestrations and musical direction by Ben Tomalin, Redcliffe is based on the true events of William Critchard and Richard Arnold in Redcliffe, Bristol. The musical was previously presented as part of MTFestUK 2024.
In the new musical William
is feeling the pressure to find a wife while also being the
breadwinner to his family. When he
meets Richard, he unlocks a world he had never dared to explore, and it’s clear there is no going back.
In an earlier statement Gage said, "Redcliffe is a story that I have been living with for some time now, so I’m very excited to present it in this workshop form to an audience. I based the musical on an article I found in the Bristol archives that explores the complexity of navigating a forbidden gay relationship in a world of societal pressure and expectations. Ultimately, it is the exploration of the human heart and the lengths we will go to be able to live freely."
Paul Taylor-Mills, artistic director of The Other Palace, added, "I established MTFestUK five years ago to allow writers of new musicals to play, explore, and present in front of an audience at the earliest stages. I have worked with Jordan many times, and whilst I knew of his incredible ability on stage, I had no idea of his passion and craft as a writer. To say I am blown away is an understatement.
"With Redcliffe," Taylor-Mills continued, "he has made a musical that speaks to our generation yet at the same time puts the spotlight on a moment in time that needs remembering. It’s brilliant to see that the work of The Other Palace and The Turbine Theatre in showcasing new writers is bearing fruit. I can’t wait to see how the future of Redcliffe takes shape."
For ticket information click here.
