The University of West London

London College of Music Students premiere Quill - musical on the life of Shakespeare

Friday 25 January 2013

Final year musical theatre students at London College of Music (LCM) performed Quill, a new musical production based on the life of William Shakespeare, at Watermans Theatre in Brentford on 23 Jan 2013.

This new musical, part of LCM Live’s 2013 season, was watched by a capacity audience and featured students from BA Musical Theatre, BA Music Technology, BA Theatre Production, BMus Performance and MMus Music Management. The production was an integral part of LCM’s commitment to ensuring students have real-time work experience in a live original theatre environment.

The production was directed by Marc Urquhart, whose previous works includes well-received revivals of Constance and Peter Pan. Musical direction was undertaken by current LCM Master student George Carter with orchestration from LCM alumni and renowned orchestrator and arranger Andy Smith. Quill the book was written by Den Stevenson with music and lyrics by Fergus O’Reilly.

Quill writer and composer Fergus O’Reilly said; ‘The London College of Music have been absolutely fantastic at every stage of the production process. It’s a very difficult task to develop a new musical from text to stage, and the fact that the entire production team back and front stage have been so supportive and positive has made this a hugely enjoyable experience.  Both myself and Den Stevenson are delighted with the result and the fact that an idea we had seventeen years ago has now been given a chance to be brought to life.’

David Henson, M.Ed, Field Leader for Performing Arts and Course Leader for BA Musical Theatre at London College of Music, said; By choosing Quill, London College of Music set out to provide the Watermans audience with a bold and original piece of theatre that the students could interpret develop and make their own. This has been an exciting and stimulating creative experience.’

Sara Raybould, MMus, Director of London College of Music, said; ‘LCM and the University of West London are committed to developing new theatre which is why we are delighted to support this new production. Tonight’s performance of Quill is the beginning of a new venture in the creative and academic life of London College of Music.  Our main aim is to integrate the work of all our students to create a lively production and creative team and so honour the workplace within an academic and vocational environment.  This production is the first of many exciting projects with LCM Live in 2013.’

Film and Theatre Director Tony Palmer; in the audience for the premiere of Quill, said, ‘The University is doing a fantastic job in supporting and promoting new writing and it is a pleasure for me to be here tonight.  For all the students, either getting up there and performing in front of an audience or the excellent production team backstage supporting the work of their peers this is a crucial moment in their development and understanding of a complex and demanding industry.  Tonight is a huge milestone for them all.’

As part of the University’s engagement with the local community through educational outreach, school pupils from the west London area were also invited to musical theatre workshops throughout the University’s residency at Watermans Theatre. The pupils - aged between 16 and 18 - were given the opportunity to work with directors, members of the production team and actors on aspects of the text and score from both productions.

Quill was part of a LCM’s three week residency at the Watermans Theatre which also featured a production of the Beggars Opera by John Gay. The performances were the first productions in the LCM Live 2013 season, which features a range of performances; masterclasses and lectures open to the public- please see the LCM Live website for further information.