The Rise and Rise of Musical Theatre by Alice and Connlaodh “Movies will make you famous; Television will make you rich; But theatre will make you good.” ― Terrence Mann Throughout the course of history, musical theatre has evolved from simple Greek plays to spectacular West End and Broadway productions. Musical theatre has always been a celebrated art form in many countries around the world, but it is now more popular than ever. The increase in musical theatre television casting shows and the recent Hollywood film adaptation of the hit West End show Les Misérables have given the musical theatre industry a new surge of life. Although music has been part of dramatic productions since the ancient times, musical theatre did not truly emerge until the 19th century with the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Musicals have evolved from the old classics like West Side Story and Anything Goes to modern musicals such as the controversial but undoubtedly sensational Broadway hit, Book of Mormon. Over the years, the musical has gone from strength to strength and the desire to take the stage has made musical theatre one of the most competitive industries in the job market. In recent years, the competitiveness of the business has increased even more so due to Andrew Lloyd Webber's television shows. They take the usually private audition and casting processes and showcase them for the nation to see and judge. These television casting shows have been subject to much criticism, but there is no denying that some stars have been found through them. Samantha Barks was 17 when she auditioned five years ago to play ‘Nancy’ in the musical Oliver! via Webber’s television show, I'd Do Anything. She finished in third place, and then went on to play the role in the UK tour, but is more well-known as the desperately in love waif ‘Eponine’ in Les Misérables in the West End, the 25th Anniversary Concert and the Oscar-winning film. Hollywood’s take on the iconic French story and West End musical Les Misérables has been the talk of film critics and cinema-goers alike, with most finding it both moving and epic. Whether or not the brave choice by director Tom Hooper to have all the performers sing live has paid off or not is what Alice and Connlaodh many cannot seem to agree on, but with 3 Oscars and 3 Golden Globes, as well as numerous other awards and nominations, Les Misérables has been the movie-musical hit of the century. Every year the public spend over £500 million on West End shows, but what is about musical theatre that is so popular? “Musical theatre is the ultimate escapism” says West End actor, Scott Garnham, who has performed in shows such as Les Misérables and Never Forget: the Take That musical. “It can move you with two chords of music or a simple dance routine. For 2 to 3 hours you're taken somewhere else and you forget any worries or problems you had when you walked in. People who don't get it don't see its power or appreciate the level of skill it takes to do it well.” Live theatre of any kind is powerful, but live musical theatre has all the impact and more because of the added singing and music. There are many songs from musicals that are so moving you can guarantee that, for as long as the show is running, at least half the audience will be in tears at every performance, and that is truly extraordinary. Performances are never the same, but audience reactions often are. Walk into Wicked any night and see audiences shiver as Elphaba takes to the sky and belts out the Act One finale, ‘Defying Gravity’. Buy a ticket to Phantom of the Opera and listen to the theatre-goers gasp as Christine hits that high E at the end of the title song. Take a trip to the newly opened Book of Mormon and watch the crowd laugh until they cry, and then shed a few tears because of how much it unexpectedly moves them. Musical theatre has lasted so long due to the sheer inspiration it brings and what powerful emotions it can make you feel. Musical theatre is important and inspirational- and musical theatre can change the world. Musicals make you want to be a better person and, who knows; maybe if they were required viewing the world would be a kinder place. Alice and Connlaodh 28 year old West End star Scott Garnham has performed in shows such as Les Misérables and Never Forget: the Take That musical. Originally from North Yorkshire, Scott trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, which has trained actors such as recent BAFTA winner and star of BBC Merlin, Colin Morgan) before moving to London where he currently resides. Q1. When did you realise that you wanted to be a performer? A1. I suffered from a slight stammer and lisp when I was young so I'd have speech lessons and I'd read scripts and poems a loud. I loved it! That lead to me doing amateur dramatics and then I was hooked. Couldn't im0agine doing anything else. Q2. What is it about Les Misérables that is so loved? A2. Les Mis is so loved because it’s so universal. Obviously it's an epic backdrop but ultimately it's about love and compassion. Q3. What is your favourite show? Dream role? A3. Favourite show is West Side Story. It's a perfect musical in my opinion. Bernstein and Sondheim set to the story of Romeo and Juliet!!! Role changes all the time! But there is one constant... I want to write and star as a role I've created. Maybe one day ;-) Q4. What is it about musical theatre that you think appeals to so many people? A4. Musical theatre is the ultimate escapism. It can move you with two chords of music or a simple dance routine. For 2 to 3 hours you're taken somewhere else and you forget any worries or problems you had when you walked in. People who don't get it don't see its power or appreciate the level of skill it takes to do it well. I, obviously, love it but most importantly respect it! Alice and Connlaodh