Bridget Jones' Diary (musical)
| Bridget Jones' Diary The Musical | |
|---|---|
| Music | Lily Allen, Greg Kurstin |
| Lyrics | Lily Allen, Greg Kurstin |
| Book | Helen Fielding |
| Basis | Fielding's novel Bridget Jones's Diary |
Bridget Jones' Diary is a musical based on the award-winning book and film of the same name. The show has been in development since 2009 and has had several workshop readings. A West End production is anticipated, although no date has been set.
Development
In early 2009, the production was first performed to a very small audience. As there was no music written for the show at the time, the performance consisted of only dialogue and a few spoken lyrics. The production featured a limited cast including Harry Enfield and British comedian Victoria Wood, each playing several parts. Although the script, penned by author of the original books, Helen Fielding, was considered very "raw" and incomplete in some places, the performance was praised by its audience. Representatives for the show's production company, Working Title, confirmed that Fielding had officially signed contracts releasing the rights for a musical production to go ahead.[1]
In early 2010, it was confirmed that Tony award-winning English theatre and film director and producer Stephen Daldry, and Peter Darling would serve as director and choreographer respectively.[2] The pair had previously worked together on the successful West End and Broadway productions of Billy Elliot. Lily Allen and Greg Kurstin then wrote the music and lyrics for the show.[3] In April 2014 Allen cast doubt that the musical would be happening in an interview with Popjustice "It's finished and it's brilliant. But I don't know if it will ever see the light of day.".[4]
Confirmed Songs
- 'If I Could Save Her From Her Sadness' (Lily Allen, Greg Kurstin)
- 'Wanker!' (Allen, Kurstin)
- 'Happy' (Allen, Kurstin)
- 'Falling Over Myself' (Allen, Kurstin)
- 'YUMMY!' (Allen, Kurstin)
Workshops
After a long period of development on the script and music, a workshop production of the show was held in London in early 2010 featuring Sheridan Smith as Bridget Jones, Bertie Carvel as Mark Darcy and Julian Ovenden as Daniel Cleaver.[5] Smith appeared on BBC One's The One Show on 3 August 2010 and stated that if a West End production of the show were to go ahead, she would accept the title role.
A new wave of workshops began in July 2011, again featuring Smith, with a larger cast and more extensive staging. The role of Mark Darcy was taken over by Stephen Carlile. Smith has since pulled out of the role, stating that her commitment to developing the show has made it difficult to pursue other roles. The West End production has been delayed until at least 2013.[6] West End star Kerry Ellis has expressed a desire to play the title role should the opportunity be presented to her. In late 2014 it was confirmed that Fielding had written a new story for the musical and Allen was no longer writing the music.
References
- ↑ Baz Bamigboye (2009-05-15). "BAZ BAMIGBOYE: Now it's Bridget Jones the musical | Mail Online". Dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-02-08.
- ↑ "Bridget Jones's Diary Musical Moving Along!". PerezHilton.com. 2010-07-01. Retrieved 2012-02-08.
- ↑ "Lily Allen Writes For Bridget Jones Musical". PopDash. 2010-07-13. Retrieved 2012-02-08.
- ↑ http://www.express.co.uk/news/showbiz/472540/Lily-Allen-casts-doubt-on-Bridget-Jones-musical
- ↑ "Bridget Jones's Diary Musical Workshop to Feature Smith, Carvel, Ovenden and More". Playbill.com. 2010-06-04. Retrieved 2012-02-08.
- ↑ Baz Bamigboye (2010-07-13). "Bridget Jones musical plunged into confusion as Sheridan Smith pulls out of show". PopDash. Retrieved 2012-04-05.