Bastille’s Dan Smith to pen tunes for new musical Young Romantics

Bastille frontman Dan Smith is writing the music and lyrics for a new British musical currently in development.

Young Romantics is a coming-of-age story centred on five historical figures – Mary Godwin, Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, Claire Clairmont and Dr John Polidori – during their famous stay at the Villa Diodati on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Set over the course of one stormy week, the musical follows the group as they navigate creative ambition, romance and personal conflict after Byron challenges them to write a new horror story. The events inspire the creation of two landmark works of gothic literature: Frankenstein and The Vampyre.

Smith said the story explores “youth on the edge of adulthood”, adding that while the events took place more than 200 years ago, the themes remain relevant today.

He commented: “The events of that summer are famously fascinating – this collision of huge, young personalities, stuck together inside a big house while storms rage outside – and the more you delve into the story, the wilder and more unbelievable it becomes.

“Beyond the sex, fame, heartbreak, and horror stories lies a deeper exploration of youth on the edge of adulthood – full of hope, creativity, chaos and the desire to escape. Our characters are trying to make sense of the world and themselves through art, all while confronting grief, trauma, inequality, and the pressure to conform.”

Producers Simon Friend and Hanna Osmolska (of Melting Pot) said they were “thrilled” to be collaborating with Smith on the project, describing his work on the musical as “artistically invigorating”.

Smith is the lead singer, songwriter and producer behind Bastille. Beyond the band, his composing credits include collaborations with Hans Zimmer on Planet Earth III, music for the Netflix series Kaos, the film Bright, and the documentaries From Devil’s Breath and 22+1.

Further details, including casting and production plans, are to be announced.