CHURCHILL - The Musical

CHURCHILL - The Musical is a stage musical about the life of Sir Winston Churchill.
History of the show
The stage play of 'CHURCHILL - The Musical' was written by Derek Charles Ash and Trevor Holman between July and December 2008 with re-writes between January and May 2009.
Writing Decisions
One of the very first decisions made by Derek and Trevor was that none of the Nazi or Axis protagonists would appear as characters on stage in the musical, although they are referred to throughout.
Another decision that had to be made early on was what period of Winston's life should be covered and after much discussion it was decided that the show would start with Winston's marriage to Clemmie, the love of his life, and would finish when Winston retired from public life.
Obviously a proportion of that period covered the Second World War.
It was decided to include the important aspects of the war and the day to day decisions and responsibilities that fell on Winston's shoulders, but throughout that period to also concentrate on the most important relationship in Winston's life - that with Clemmie his wife.
The show even looks at the struggle they had over money during their early years together and it has been treated in a light-hearted way in the show with Winston pleading his case for what Clemmie thought of his extravagant lifestyle where Winston sings - 'It's not necessary - but it's nice'.
The writers have not shied away from covering the very sad and demoralizing aspects of the war and their thanks go to Anne Frank House in Amsterdam who helped and advised on the scene with Anne hiding from the Nazi's in the attic room in Amsterdam.
Winston's Speeches
Excerpts from most of Winston's well known speeches are included (Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat, Finest Hour, Fight them on the Beaches, Unknown Warriors etc.) and in some cases the emotions and messages of the speeches have inspired the lyrics of songs in the show.
The most difficult decisions the writers had to take were what to include and what to leave out and that in itself presented enormous challenges. How can you leave out one of Winston's great speeches? If you included them all there'd be no time for anything else.
Winston´s Humour
The writers have included some of Winston's most famous and humorous quotes throughout the stage play as it was felt important that these gems of wit were included.
The Show
'CHURCHILL - The Musical' is not a show about the Second World War - it's about the loving relationship between the man voted by the British public as 'The Greatest Briton to have ever lived', and his wife.
It's a simple fact that their relationship took place during a time when good triumphed over evil and the writers hope the show will help keep the deeds, the actions, the bravery and the memory of everyone that took part alive for future generations.
'CHURCHILL - The Musical' is a celebration of life - and that of one life in particular - the man voted by the British public as the greatest Briton to have ever lived: Sir Winston Churchill.
The Songs
# The Wedding Waltz
# The Best Thing
# It's not Necessary
# He's the Man
# The Rationing Song
# Blood, Toil, Tears & Sweat
# Sigh and Try Again
# Watch Me Dance
# Darkness to the Light
# Lost for Words
# When you come home to me
# Our Finest Hour
# We're In
# Road to Victory
# What would I do without you
# That's what I Believe
# Men of Destiny
# Special Day
# The Unknown Warrior
# Our Finest Hour (Reprise)
World Premiere
The World Premiere of 'CHURCHILL - The Musical' took place to a packed house at the Lagoa Auditorium in the Algarve, southern Portugal on Friday 1st of October 2010, with the opening night sold out before the tickets were even printed
The show had an on stage cast of 42 actors, singers and dancers and starred Jonathan Reynolds as Winston Churchill, Sarah Pryde as Clemmie Churchill, Oliver Lanford as Percy(Winston's Aide) and featured Jade Willis as Anne Frank.
'CHURCHILL - The Musical' had 18 people backstage keeping the show moving, 289 costumes and uniforms were taken to the Algarve from the UK, as were 57 specially made wigs. The featured 189 lighting changes created by top lighting designer Andy Chafer and custom built sets designed by the shows very experienced Director Ray Jeffery.
Audience members attending the opening night had travelled to the Algarve from 11 different countries including the UK, France, Holland, Spain, Brazil and the United States, including Musical Theatre Buffs, David and Abi Stutz who flew 7,000 miles from San Diego, California just to see the show, and to use David's own words after the opening night - 'It was worth every mile - the West End and Broadway had better be ready, there are new kids on the block!'

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