Interval Productions present new musical Muted, described by Stephen Fry as ‘stunning’ and Mark Shenton (The Stage) as the British equivalent to Rent. Written by Sarah Henley, with music and lyrics by Tim Prottey-Jones (Once, Phoenix Theatre; Kinky Boots, Adelphi Theatre; finalist on ITV’s Superstar) and Tori Allen-Martin, Muted is a story of grief, guilt, self-discovery, forgiveness and the thing we can’t do without – love.
Muted tells the story of teenager Michael Brookman, an exceptional singer whose band is on the brink of stardom. However, after the sudden death of his mother in a hit and run accident, Michael quits the band and stops speaking entirely. Three years on, Michael still hasn’t uttered a word and those around him have no idea what to do. Jake, Michael’s former band mate, is trying to hold everything together as the band’s shot at the big time comes along. But there’s a catch: the record label wants Michael back as the band’s frontman. Lauren, Michael’s ex- girlfriend who is now in a relationship with Jake, attempts to bring Michael back from the edge. In doing so, long-forgotten feelings are unearthed and uncomfortable truths force their way into the opening. Perhaps some cracks are just too big to paper over.
Muted is brought to life on stage by Tori Allen-Martin (vocalist on Idris Elba’s mi Mandela album; backing vocalist for Eliza and the Bear; Hair, European Tour), Edd Campbell Bird (Les Misérables, Palace Theatre; Sweeney Todd, English National Opera; Adding Machine, Finborough Theatre), David Leopold (The Crucible, West Yorkshire Playhouse; Soho Young Playwrights Festival, Soho Theatre; Burnt Part Boys, Park Theatre) and Jos Slovick (Once, Phoenix Theatre and Gaiety Theatre, London; Bad Jews, Theatre Royal Haymarket and UK Tour; Spring Awakening, Novello Theatre and Lyric Hammersmith) and Helen Hobson (Sunny Afternoon, Hampstead Theatre; The Sound of Music, Regent’s Open Air Theatre; Mamma Mia, Prince of Wales Theatre and Novello Theatre).
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Playwright Sarah Henley comments “I’m incredibly excited that a full-scale production of Muted is going to be mounted at this ambitious new venue which is perfect for such a character driven, psychological piece. After four years of development I think that Muted feels incredibly raw and real. Interval Productions have always made sure our shows feel like a great night out and The Bunker is definitely keen to do the same – with the bar open before and after the show, the audience will be able to mingle with the cast and join the ever-growing Interval Productions family”.
The early workshop version of the show (titled After the Turn) received a Broadway World nomination for Best Fringe or Regional Musical and a What’s on Stage nomination for Best New Musical.
MUTED: A New British Musical plays at The Bunker from Wednesday 7th December 2016 – Saturday 7th January 2017
INTERVIEW: Edd Campbell Bird has Tea With Wilma chatting bout MUTED
Photos: Savannah Photographic
