One of Italy’s most controversial politicians, media mogul and former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi provides the inspiration for a new musical which will receive its world premiere at the Southwark Playhouse next spring.
Presented by Francesca Moody Productions, the musical comedy about the man who remains a force in contemporary Italian politics in spite of a series of headline-hitting scandals will make its debut at the South London venue from 25 March to 29 April 2023.
Announcing the production, producer Francesca Moody said: “I am thrilled to be presenting this extraordinary and incredibly funny new musical with an award-winning team of the most exciting roll-call of creatives. Berlusconi is an all too familiar story of outrageous corruption and grotesque male privilege allowed to run riot, indeed seemingly run a country.
“It’s a musical which places a fierce feminist lens on a political leader who was known for his charming misogyny and spotlights the human cost of his time in office. Berlusconi upended Italian politics and it could not feel timelier, or more appropriate to be exploring this outrageous and almost true story with riotous comedy and sensational songs.”
Told through the eyes of three women, Berlusconi is written by Ricky Simmonds and Simon Vaughan and directed by James Grieve.
Commenting on the musical, Grieve said: “The chance to make and premiere a brand new British musical is a rare and brilliant thing. Ricky and Simon have written an incandescent, uproarious, strikingly apposite show that melds sabre sharp lyrics with a technicolour head rush of a score.
“It is a witty, incisive, affecting, hugely entertaining work of dazzling originality and élan. I feel immensely privileged and excited to bring it to the stage alongside a visionary producer and outstanding creative team.”
The musical will be choreographed by Rebecca Howell with set and costume by Lucy Osborne, David White as executive musical supervisor, Jordan Li Smith as musical supervisor and musical director and Dan Samson as sound designer with casting by Will Burton. Based on an original idea by Alan Hayling, the musical is associate produced by Alex Cook and Hayling.
Angela Thomas
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