ATG New Wimbledon Theatre‘s prestigious “Premieres” competition concludes with Seize The Cheese! A New Musical, a highly original musical inspired by the world-famous cheese-rolling event in Gloucestershire.
Calimani Productions, who last year presented five-star reviewed Oh Yes I Am! The Panto Dame Musical at The King’s Head Theatre (“A mini-masterpiece – I loved it” – Musical Theatre Review), are producing their second original musical Seize The Cheese! A New Musical at the Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre.
Chosen for New Wimbledon Theatre’s “Premieres” season, this highly exuberant and anarchic musical has a cast of 12 to bring the bonkers premise to life.
With music by Patrick Steed, book and lyrics by Mike Stocks, and directed by Mike Stocks, the show gleefully inhabits the ungovernable territory of musicals such as The Book of Mormon, Little Shop of Horrors and Avenue Q. Shows that stand out for their anarchic treatments of exuberant concepts.
All the characters have their deeper reasons for risking their lives and limbs for cheese. And the theme? “Eventually in life, you have to leap”.
Director Mike Stocks says, “it’s basically as outlandish as The Book Of Mormon and as bonkers as Little Shop of Horrors, but with much more cheese.”
Composer Patrick Steeds says, “it’s an extremely funny show but has a lot of heart too, which the music draws out. The characters are on a journey of self-discovery, and multiple fractures.”
The concept came to the writers in 2018. In 2021, the developing show earned a slot at BEAM, the prestigious musical theatre industry showcase run by Mercury Musical Development and Musical Theatre Network. The following year, the script was put on its feet for a week with eleven actors at Leeds Conservatoire.
In 2023, Seize The Cheese! A New Musical was selected for the prestigious “Premieres” season. This “Premieres” production at the Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre has been awarded a substantial lottery-funded grant by Arts Council England.
Music: Patrick Steed
Book & Lyrics: Mike Stocks
Director: Mike Stocks
Important information about the show
02 November — 11 November
Ticket prices: £11 – £18.90
Running Time: 115 minutes (+15 mins interval)
Suitable for ages 14+
