Celebrities including Harry Enfield, Alexander Armstrong, Louise Dearman, have been so entranced by the music of the new, award-winning musical The Grinning Man, that they have recorded unique versions of their favourite tracks from the show. Opening at Trafalgar Studios from 6 December, and “powered by an outstanding score” (Sunday Times), the soundtrack of this fantastical musical has inspired an unprecedented range of stars to make The Grinning Man their own.
Throughout December, songs from The Grinning Man will be available on YouTube, performed by some of the most well-known names in comedy, entertainment, musical theatre and beyond. First to be released are tracks by actor Alexander Armstrong, comedian Harry Enfield, and musical theatre star Louise Dearman. The stars were drawn to different songs within the musical. Alexander selected the powerful Stars in the Sky, while Harry delighted in the challenge of Laughter is the Best Medicine and Louise was seemingly born to sing Born Broken.
These celebrity recordings join songs performed by the stars of The Grinning Man: Sean Kingsley singing Stars in the Sky and Louis Maskell who sings Labyrinth. In addition to the existing line-up, other well known faces have also signed on as fans of the music and will be recording soon. More to be announced!
Described by What’s On Stage as “the best British score in years”, the music is composed by Tim Phillips and Marc Teitler. The songs wowed critics and audiences alike during its 2016 premiere at Bristol Old Vic and now they are about unleashed on the West End.
The critically acclaimed production of The Grinning Man, is based on the classic Victor Hugo (Les Misérables) novel, The Man Who Laughs, and directed by Tony award-winning Tom Morris (War Horse). A romantic gothic musical love story, set in a fantastical world with a dark heart, which is brought to life by Kneehigh writer Carl Grose (Dead Dog in a Suitcase). The cast is led by Louis Maskell, in the title role of Grinpayne, and Julian Bleach, who plays Barkilphedro, a vengeful clown with a heart of lead. Macabre, magical and visually astonishing, this ultimately elating love story is a distinctive delight that barges through the gateway carved by the Nineties cult hit Shockheaded Peter with the full-blooded emotion of Les Misérables.
The Grinning Man reunites Tom Morris with two puppeteers who began their careers inside Joey and Topthorn in the original production of War Horse – Finn Caldwell and Toby Olié – now leading their own brilliant puppetry company Gyre & Gimble.
The Grinning Man is produced by Bristol Old Vic, Trafalgar Entertainment Group, Eilene Davidson, Richard O’Brien, David Adkin and Neil Laidlaw.
The first three tracks: Alexander Armstrong singing Stars in the Sky, Louise Dearman singing Born Broken, and Harry Enfield singing Laughter is the Best Medicine, can be enjoyed here: https://www.youtube.com/
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