New British musical comedy Devilish! premieres at the Landor Theatre
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
ARTFIELD is presenting the world première of new British musical comedy Devilish! at the Landor Theatre. Described as Pinocchio meets The Picture of Dorian Gray – with jazz hands, it runs from May 10 (previews from May 4) to May 29, 2016.
When Angel, a cute male angel crash-lands in metropolitan London in 2016, he is embraced by mercenary forces…. He wants to become human. Instead, he becomes a novelty ‘Freak Idol’ on TV, lusted after by fans everywhere. But will Angel sell his soul to TV entrepreneur Nick Brimstone and go over to the dark side? How long will it be before he is corrupted by the devilish delights on offer…?
Devilish! was inspired by John Ruskin’s comment that an angel appearing on earth would be shot on sight. H.G Wells wrote a novel called The Wonderful Visit based on this observation, but now a new team of writers offer their musical take on this premise.
With music by BB Cooper and book and lyrics by Chris Burgess, this cartoonish comedy features an original score crammed with upbeat songs (16 of them) aiming to prove that the devil doesn’t have all the best tunes.
BB Cooper has enjoyed a long-established career as a composer with a number of stage productions and recordings to her name, each written in her own unique style. To find out more visit www.bbcooper.com/.
Chris Burgess’ credits include Lunch with Marlene starring Kate O’Mara (UK tour), and Dishonorable Ladies, starring Honor Blackman (Criterion Theatre). His musical Sleeping Arrangements also premièred at the Landor Theatre in 2013.
Directed by Marc Urquhart and designed by David Shields, Devilish! has musical direction by Ian MacGregor, choreography by Pavel Strouhal and lighting by David Lambert. Casting has still to be announced.
Tickets: £20, £18 concessions – available from the box office on 020 7737 7276 or online at www.landortheatre.co.uk/.
Times: Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm; Sunday matinée at 3pm.