Grim (musical)

Grim, also known as Grim: A New Musical or Grim - The Love Story To Die For, was a musical that premiered at the Rose Theatre, Kingston on 20 July 2014. It has music by Joseph Alexander and lyrics/book written by Fiona O'Malley, of 'The Untold Theatre Company'.

Grim
A New Musical
Original Poster
MusicJoseph Alexander
LyricsFiona O'Malley
Premiere20 July 2014: Rose Theatre, Kingston
Productions

Set in a high-school, the musical is about when the two greatest forces in the world, love (Cupid) and death (Grim), meet. The two fall in love, but if Grim is with him, it will lead to his demise.

Background

The musical was produced by 'The Untold Theatre Company', which is run by Adam Wollerton and Fiona O'Malley, and received £14,500 from Arts Council England, via the local authority Kingston upon Thames on 17 June 2014, to help get it started.[1] The musical had four performances at The Rose Theatre as part of the 'International Youth Arts Festival (IYAF)', before moving to the Charing Cross Theatre for a month's run.[2][3] The Original London Cast Recording was released on 20 July 2014.[4]

Characters and Original Cast
CharacterOriginal London Cast
GrimRoseanna Christoforou
CupidAnthony Matteo
AmeliaGeorgi Mottram
MatthewJamie Leeke
CherryKathryn Rutherford
SabrinaRhiannon Drake
RubyLouisa Cameron
IsabellaIzzy Roy
TeacherKarina Toolan

Productions

Both productions of the musical had mainly the same cast and crew. It was directed by Adam Wollerton, with Joshua Whatsize as assistant director. There were two choreographers: Sam Lathwood and Adam Jay-Price. Set and costume design was done by Anna Driftmier, with lighting design by Jack Weir.[5] After the performances at The Rose Theatre, Jordan Veloso was cast as Matthew.[6]

Reception
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
What's On Stage[7]
Entertainment Focus[8]
The Upcoming[9]
BroadwayBaby.com[10]
West End Frame[11]
PlaysToSee.com[12]
PicklepantsReviews.com[13]

Grim received mixed reviews from critics, with the general census showing that although an enjoyable show, more work on the musical itself was needed. WhatsOnStage.com writes, "the piece is cleverly plotted by writer Fiona O'Malley, who links Grim's persecution to the witch trials of the sixteenth century." Entertainment Focus comments on the book, saying, "the book is stuffed full of tired clichés... The characters are also painfully one-dimensional." However, they do complement the cast, writing, "The young cast is talented, with a strong ensemble nailing some impressive harmonies." Indeed, Terry Eastham of LondonTheatre1.com also gave a very positive review, commenting, "The production itself was excellent. From the silent hooded figures standing at the side of the auditorium as we walked in, through to the end, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. All of the songs were great (I’m listening to the soundtrack on Spotify as I write this) and delivered by an extremely strong and talented cast whose voices, particularly in the duets, complemented each other wonderfully."[14] The Upcoming labels it as having, " a pretty score and fine performances from the principal actors," but picks up on the storyline, saying, "the bleak subject matter may limit the show’s appeal." British Theatre Guide described the music as "an unusual amalgam of electro-acoustic pop and operatic ideas", whilst BroadwayBaby.com writes "composer Joseph Alexander’s original soundtrack carries the show along well... a particularly lovely number entitled She Said Yes that will leave you beaming in your seat.[15][16] PlaysToSee.com gave the musical a negative review, writing, "However, the show's lushly romantic score scans, rhymes, and is metrically perfect. The lyrics are not, and come across as incompetent, no matter how bravely this talented cast try to make them work."

Future Productions

On his official website, composer Joseph Alexander stated: "This is only the beginning of the journey for Grim. I hope to cross paths again with all these individuals, whether that's on future theatre productions or Grim itself." However, as of December 2015, they have been no further performances of Grim.[17]

References
  1. "Grant Details: The Untold Theatre Company)". www.lottery.culture.gov.uk. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  2. "The Untold Theatre Company - Grim: A New Musical". www.iyafestival.org.uk. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  3. "Charing Cross Theatre". www.london-theatreland.co.uk. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  4. "Grim: A New Musical". www.game-ost.com. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  5. "Current Production". www.theuntoldtheatrecompany.com. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  6. "Photo Flash - First Look at Untold's GRIM: A NEW MUSICAL at Charing Cross". www.broadwayworld.com. 6 August 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  7. Martin, Jane (9 August 2014). "Grim: A New Musical Charing Cross Theatre". What's On Stage. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  8. Gunther, Lee (May 2, 2013). "Grim: A New Musical review". Entertainment Focus. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  9. Sempill, Mark (6 August 2014). "Grim: A New Musical at Charing Cross". The Upcoming. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  10. Dally, Asja (24 July 2014). "Grim: A New Musical". BroadwayBaby.com. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  11. Clement-Hayes, Michaela (7 August 2014). "Review - Grim at the Charing Cross Theatre". West End Frame. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  12. Voyce, Richard (8 August 2014). "Grim - A New Musical". playstosee.com. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  13. "Grim: A New Musical - A Review". PicklepantsReviews.com. 4 September 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  14. Terry Eastham. "Review of Grim: A New Musical at Charing Cross Theatre". www.londontheatre1.com. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  15. Howard Loxton. "Grim: A New Musical". www.BritishTheatreGuide.info. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  16. Asja Dally. "Grim: A New Musical". www.BroadwayBaby.com. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  17. Asja Dally. "One Door Closes... Slightly". www.josephalexandermusic.com. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
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