Mischief’s first musical Thespians – first look

Take a look at the world premiere of Thespians: Greece The Musical (but not that one), a new comedy musical from the award-winning company Mischief.

The show is written by Jonathan Sayer, with music and lyrics by Ed Zanders, and is presented by HOME Manchester, JPT Productions and Mercury Theatre Colchester by arrangement with Mischief Worldwide Ltd.

Set in 534 BC on a small Greek island, the musical follows a group of bards attempting to avoid defeat in a high-stakes prayer competition, in the process accidentally discovering acting.

The cast includes Allie Dart as Rhapsodes and dance captain, Claire-Marie Hall as Poly, James Spence as Thespis, Luke Latchman as Atlas, Marc Pickering as Adonis, Matt Cavendish as Bard, Mia Jerome as Melampus and Rhys Taylor as The Tyrant, with Ashley Tucker, Josh Patel-Foster and Curtis Patrick.

Direction comes from Robyn Grant, with design by Jasmine Swan, choreography by Melody Sinclair-Marsh, lighting by David Howe, sound by Nick Lodge, musical direction by Ben Smith, associate direction by Joe Allen, casting by Lucy Jenkins and Sooki McShane, musical direction by Ben Smith and executive producer Henry Lewis.

Following its run in Colchester until 23 May (where a national press night will be held next week), the production will tour through to July, with stops including Theatre Royal Bath, Wyvern Theatre, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Everyman Theatre, New Theatre Cardiff and HOME Manchester.