Theatre News

Miss Nightingale Brings burlesque back to Salford, 19 June

A new musical celebrating love, scandals and show business in 1940s London returns to The Lowry in June, following it’s debut there in 2011.  Miss Nightingale the musical
explores the challenging relationship between two men, against the
backdrop of WWII.  This touching love story shows the injustice and
prejudice that gay men faced in this period. It combines emotionally
charged songs with powerful drama and Burlesque-style performance. London
1942. Two men struggle in the shadows of a war-torn city to thrust a
new star into the spotlight. Maggie Brown dreams of becoming a famous
singer as she nurses wounded soldiers in an East End hospital. With her
songwriter George, a Jewish refugee, she auditions at every night club
and cabaret bar in London. But nobody wants their act. Their luck and
lives change when they meet the handsome, charming and wealthy Sir Frank
Conner. Miss Nightingale the musical’s 
book, lyrics and music by are by Matthew Bugg, and features 15
original songs and stars neo-Burlesque star Amber Topaz.Topaz started her career in West End musicals (inc. leads in Les Miserables),
before razzle-dazzling her way to international Burlesque stardom and
enchanting audiences with her showgirl splendour. In 2008 she had the
unique honour of being inducted into Las Vegas’ legendary Miss Exotic
World Burlesque Hall of Fame.Matthew
Bugg got his first professional theatre job as Musical Director at the
Mercury Theatre, Colchester, before he had even graduated, and was
quickly made an Associate Artist of the new Mercury Theatre Company. He
went on to work at many of the major theatres across the country as
composer and choreographer. He wanted to write and direct a musical – an
intelligent, witty, deeply moving musical that really had something
important to say. Miss Nightingale is his dream job. Miss Nightingale – The Musical runs at the Lowry from 19 – 22 June.