The Rise and Rise of Musical Theatre by Alice... “Movies will make you famous; Television will make you rich;...

The Rise and Rise of Musical Theatre by Alice and Connlaodh
“Movies will make you famous; Television will make you rich; But
theatre will make you good.”
― Terrence Mann
Throughout the course of history,
musical theatre has evolved from simple
Greek plays to spectacular West End
and Broadway productions. Musical
theatre has always been a celebrated art
form in many countries around the
world, but it is now more popular than
ever. The increase in musical theatre
television casting shows and the recent
Hollywood film adaptation of the hit
West End show Les Misérables have
given the musical theatre industry a new surge of life.
Although music has been part of dramatic productions since the ancient
times, musical theatre did not truly emerge until the 19th century with the
works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Musicals have evolved from the old classics like
West Side Story and Anything Goes to modern musicals such as the
controversial but undoubtedly sensational Broadway hit, Book of Mormon.
Over the years, the musical has gone from strength to strength and the desire
to take the stage has made musical theatre one of the most competitive
industries in the job market.
In recent years, the competitiveness of the business has increased even more
so due to Andrew Lloyd Webber's
television shows. They take the
usually private audition and casting
processes and showcase them for the
nation to see and judge. These
television casting shows have been
subject to much criticism, but there
is no denying that some stars have
been found through them. Samantha
Barks was 17 when she auditioned
five years ago to play ‘Nancy’ in the
musical Oliver! via Webber’s
television show, I'd Do Anything. She finished in third place, and then went
on to play the role in the UK tour, but is more well-known as the desperately
in love waif ‘Eponine’ in Les Misérables in the West End, the 25th Anniversary
Concert and the Oscar-winning film.
Hollywood’s take on the iconic French story and West End musical Les
Misérables has been the talk of film critics and cinema-goers alike, with most
finding it both moving and epic. Whether or not the brave choice by director
Tom Hooper to have all the performers sing live has paid off or not is what
Alice and Connlaodh
many cannot seem to agree on, but with 3 Oscars and 3 Golden Globes, as well
as numerous other awards and nominations, Les Misérables has been the
movie-musical hit of the century.
Every year the public spend over £500 million on West End shows, but what
is about musical theatre that is so popular?
“Musical theatre is the ultimate escapism” says West End actor, Scott
Garnham, who has performed in shows such as Les Misérables and Never
Forget: the Take That musical. “It can move you with two chords of music or
a simple dance routine. For 2 to 3 hours you're taken somewhere else and you
forget any worries or problems you had when you walked in. People who don't
get it don't see its power or appreciate the level of skill it takes to do it well.”
Live theatre of any kind is powerful, but live musical theatre has all the impact
and more because of the added singing and music. There are many songs from
musicals that are so moving you can guarantee that, for as long as the show is
running, at least half the audience will be in tears at every performance, and
that is truly extraordinary. Performances are never the same, but audience
reactions often are.
Walk into Wicked any night and see
audiences shiver as Elphaba takes to
the sky and belts out the Act One
finale, ‘Defying Gravity’. Buy a ticket
to Phantom of the Opera and listen to
the theatre-goers gasp as Christine
hits that high E at the end of the title
song. Take a trip to the newly opened
Book of Mormon and watch the crowd
laugh until they cry, and then shed a
few tears because of how much it unexpectedly moves them.
Musical theatre has lasted so long due to the sheer inspiration it brings and
what powerful emotions it can make you feel. Musical theatre is important
and inspirational- and musical theatre can change the world. Musicals make
you want to be a better person and, who knows; maybe if they were required
viewing the world would be a kinder place.
Alice and Connlaodh
28 year old West End star Scott Garnham has
performed in shows such as Les Misérables and
Never Forget: the Take That musical. Originally
from North Yorkshire, Scott trained at the Royal
Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly the Royal
Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, which has
trained actors such as recent BAFTA winner and
star of BBC Merlin, Colin Morgan) before moving
to London where he currently resides.
Q1. When did you realise that you wanted to be a
performer?
A1. I suffered from a slight stammer and lisp when
I was young so I'd have speech lessons and I'd read
scripts and poems a loud. I loved it! That lead to
me doing amateur dramatics and then I was
hooked. Couldn't im0agine doing anything else.
Q2. What is it about Les Misérables that is so
loved?
A2. Les Mis is so loved because it’s so universal. Obviously it's an epic
backdrop but ultimately it's about love and compassion.
Q3. What is your favourite show? Dream role?
A3. Favourite show is West Side Story. It's a perfect musical in my opinion.
Bernstein and Sondheim set to the story of Romeo and Juliet!!! Role changes
all the time! But there is one constant... I want to write and star as a role I've
created. Maybe one day ;-)
Q4. What is it about musical theatre that you think appeals to so many
people?
A4. Musical theatre is the ultimate escapism. It can move you with two chords
of music or a simple dance routine. For 2 to 3 hours you're taken somewhere
else and you forget any worries or problems you had when you walked in.
People who don't get it don't see its power or appreciate the level of skill it
takes to do it well. I, obviously, love it but most importantly respect it!
Alice and Connlaodh