The musical, presented by Francesca Moody Productions and Wishful Thinking Musicals, will run at the Southwark Playhouse from the 25th March.
This new musical, written by Ricky Simmonds and Simon Vaughan, is set to be a naughty, noisy exposé of the Italian politician as seen through the eyes of three women who are ready to share their side of the story.
It’s time to set the record straight. Please welcome to the stage the former cruise ship crooner turned multi billionaire and Italian Prime Minister… the much maligned, misunderstood, humble man of the people Silvio Berlusconi!
A hilarious, naughty, noisy expose of the original perma-tanned media mogul and populist politician told through the eyes of the formidable women ready to share their side of the story and break the veneer of that million lira smile. As Silvio tries to enshrine his legacy by writing the opera of his life, his detractors are closing in…
While casting has yet to be announced, the creative team behind the production includes: director James Grieve (Fisherman’s Friends), choreography by Rebecca Howell, set and costume by Lucy Osborne (The Famous Five), David White (Les Misérables) is executive musical supervisor, Jordan Li Smith (City of Angels) as musical supervisor & musical
director, Dan Samson (Heathers) as sound designer and casting by Will Burton CDG. Associate produced by Alex Cook and Alan Hayling, with the musical based on an original idea by Alan Hayling.
Producer Francesca Moody said: “I am thrilled to be presenting this extraordinary and incredibly funny new musical with an award-winning team of the most exciting roll-call
of creatives. Berlusconi is an all too familiar story of outrageous corruption and grotesque male privilege allowed to run riot, indeed seemingly run a country. It’s a
musical which places a fierce feminist lens on a political leader who was known for his charming misogyny and spotlights the human cost of his time in office. Berlusconi upended Italian politics and it could not feel timelier, or more appropriate to be exploring this outrageous and almost true story with riotous comedy and sensational songs.
Meanwhile, director James Grieve said: ” The chance to make and premiere a brand new British musical is a rare and brilliant thing. Ricky and Simon have written an incandescent,
uproarious, strikingly apposite show that melds sabre sharp lyrics with a technicolour head rush of a score. It is a witty, incisive, affecting, hugely entertaining work of dazzling originality and élan. I feel immensely privileged and excited to bring it to the stage alongside a visionary producer and outstanding creative team.”
Berlusconi will play at the Southwark Playhouse from the 25th March until the 29th April 2023.