In the summer of 2022, the Lichfield Garrick will be bringing their own community musical to the stage – a production that has been devised, written, composed, and developed by participants from the community.

The theatre’s previous community musicals, including their 2019 production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, have been a stepping-stone for members of the community young and old to get involved in theatre, both on and off the stage. But this time, the Garrick wants to take the annual project one step further and develop the show themselves – and they want the community to get involved! 

For the first time ever, the Garrick will be composing and writing the musical themselves. Members of the community are invited to kickstart the project to write and compose the script and score later this summer. 

This project will be spearheaded by the Garrick’s Associate Director, Jonny McClean, who has directed the past two community musicals, and he is thrilled to be joined by a professional composer, who will be announced very shortly. 

Jonny says: “I’m over the moon to be announcing a project as exciting as this one. The Community Musical has always been a major staple in our calendar, and the chance to work with the community to adapt a story and open out the creative process in a way we’ve never been able to before, is a genuine privilege.” 

The theatre will also be offering masterclasses ahead of the start of the project, where participants can take creative classes in playwriting, directing, set & costume design, and audience engagement to give those interested in taking part a taste of what the development of a musical will entail. To book onto these masterclasses, visit our website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/community-musical-masterclasses 

If you want to apply to be a part of the creative team, whether that be writing the script or producing the score with the professional composer, then applications open from today. It costs £85 to be involved, which includes 15 weeks of workshops. More information, including how to apply for a funded place, can be found on our website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/get-involved/your-community-musical-2022/ 

Participants must be 13+ and there is no upper age limit. 

Applications for performers will open in 2022.