The musical is currently under development…
A video has now been released of Jessica Pardoe performing ‘This is My Life’ from new British musical Soho Dreams, featuring music by Mark Russell and lyrics by Rob McLoughlin (who has also written the book).
The musical, set in 1980’s Soho, is a story based around The Night Owls on Greek Street a place where American stars drop in along with famous names from from the worlds of journalism, clergy, TV, and theatre. Here they mingle and mix with police and criminals – with trouble yet to come.
Soho Dreams features features 16 original compositions by Mark Russell, the Ivor Novello and BAFTA nominee, with a second song ‘child’ and video being released on the 9th February and a six track EP two weeks later.
Talking about the news, Rob McLoughlin said: “Soho Dreams is a story we’ve wanted to tell for a long time. It shows how influential the district was – for good and bad – and how it was a crucible for much of today’s attitudes and social battles. It was inspired by Mary Magdalene’s story and Bizet’s Carmen without any reference to them in the show.”
This new British musical was first performed during lockdown as an audio project with a cast drawn from graduates of the Scottish Conservatoire in Glasgow. Workshops were then held in Islington in 2022, directed by Rosie Parker with Ryan Mackenzie as Musical Director. It was then further developed as a showcase held in late 2022 at The Other Palace featured Jessica Pardoe as Samantha Serraillier; Philip Pope as Albie and Harry Mills as Michael Peters.
Recordings for the singles and EP include performances by Jessica Pardoe, Daniel Bravo and Barry Keenan and Lee Turner.
Further news of the development of the musical is yet to be confirmed.