Over in theatre-land, I’m delighted (and quietly relieved) to report that all the main musical themes for Fakespeare are now written — and, crucially, that writer/director Stuart Fortey likes them.

I’m now deep into arranging the material for period instruments and shaping it around the rhythms of the show itself — timings, transitions, emotional pacing. It’s the stage where the music stops being abstract and starts becoming useful, which is one of my favourite parts of the process.

Stuart has also shared a short promo film for Fakespeare — a candid wander through the costume room as the cast try on period finery and discover exactly how expressive a well-placed wig can be. with... Hearing my music underneath these moments has been a quiet delight: half rehearsal, half play, entirely human. Here's the link for anyone who fancies a smile and a small peek behind the scenes: https://youtu.be/Ao0wsNr0F_g

The show opens on Saturday 28th February at Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, before touring to:
5/3/26: Seven Arts, Chapel Allerton, Leeds
7/3/26: Helmsley Arts Centre
12/3/26: Otley Courthouse
21/3/26: Leyburn Arts Centre
25/3/26: East Riding Theatre, Beverley
26/3/26: The Ropewalk, Barton-Upon-Humber