27 - A New Rock Musical

27 - a New Rock Musical directed by Arlene Phillips

Arlene Phillips to co-direct a new rock musical at the Cockpit Theatre

Dom O'Hanlon
Dom O'Hanlon

It has been announced that Arlene Phillips CBE will co-direct a brand new rock musical, 27, which will run at the Cockpit Theatre in Marylebonne, north London, from 8 September to 22 October 2016, with an official opening on 12 September 2016.

Described as "a modern fable of our time", this dark interpretation of one of humanity's oldest stories is written and co-directed by Sam Cassidy and features an original score by Matt Wills.

"Hendrix, Joplin, Cobain, Morrison and Winehouse: all music legends whose lives were tragically cut short at 27. Orpheus is a would-be rock star turned icon whose experiences of fame and notoriety lead him on a journey of unstoppable self-destruction. Another name for the list. At the tender age of 27. Another star, extinguished..."

Featuring 13 musical numbers and a cast of 15, 27 explores the fragility of life and the unwitting connections that bind us together. Described as a rock musical with original lyrics and score it will feature "killer guitar riffs and will take you somewhere you probably didn't think existed anymore..."

Arlene Phillips said of the news: "I love working on projects that shout out 'we are different'. Working on the fringe of the arts which I have been doing more of in these last couple of years I find really exciting. '27' has a powerful and emotional message that evokes so many memories of not just Amy Winehouse but so many others who began with a prodigious talent that eventually destroys them. It is a musical that could connect to so many people of different ages....like Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sam writes music that is only possible for a few to sing, and of course, I want them to dance!"

Phillips' credits as director include Saturday Night Fever, international productions of Starlight Express, US Tours of Joseph and Jesus Christ Superstar, Lord of the Dance, The Songbook of Judy Garland, Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, and the Manchester XVII Commonwealth Games. As choreographer she has worked on Jackie The Musical, Starlight Express, Wizard of Oz, Flashdance, The Sound of Music, Grease, We Will Rock You, Saturday Night Fever, Joseph, Jesus Christ Superstar, EFX at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas.

Produced by Adam Pritchard, Sam Cassidy and Nick Eve on behalf of 27 Musical London Limited, further casting and creative team are to be announced. 

Tickets for the production are now on sale.

 

Originally published on

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