This module takes students on a fascinating journey which traces the magical world of London’s musical stage from The Black Crook to The Lord of the Rings. We look at the early pioneers and innovators who invented the vital formula that brings a musical to life, from old time music hall and vaudeville, through burlesque and revue, to variety and pantomime, to operetta to floperetta. We will demonstrate the links between what was playing on New York’s Broadway and London’s West End, and examine the social history and headline news that inspired musical theatre collaborators. We trace the work of some of the great directors, choreographers, lyricists and composers, studying some of the big names associated with musical theatre, and gain a greater understanding and insight into how the collision of Shakespeare, grand opera, Jewish cantors, Russian immigrants and black American slaves gave us the phenomena which is the London musical.
The module will include backstage trips to some of the great London theatres, and students will meet some of the current stars appearing in the West End.