London-based composer Harry Blake has been confirmed as The Cameron Mackintosh Resident Composer at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.
The award-winning composer, lyricist and sound designer who is half of the cabaret act House of Blakewell, is the second of five placements between 2015 and 2018 by Mercury Musical Developments and Musical Theatre Network through the scheme which pairs musical theatre composers with a major venue.
Commenting on his appointment Blake said: “West Yorkshire Playhouse programmes an amazing range of work which I can’t wait to get involved with! The residency allows me to be part of some fantastic creative teams as well as offering the opportunity to develop my own musical theatre writing. It’s also a unique chance to be a part of the day to day life of the theatre and to engage with the local community, which I know will be an exciting and enriching experience.”
The Playhouse’s artistic director James Brining added: “The Playhouse has a deep commitment to developing talent as well as an established reputation for new musical theatre. We were impressed by Harry’s diverse skillset, which includes composing stage musicals and being a co-creator and performer in the award-winning cabaret act House of Blakewell. We look forward to his contribution to our work and to welcoming him into our theatre and the creative community in Leeds.”
Supported by the Cameron Mackintosh Foundation, the Resident Composer scheme offers the chosen writer the chance to get involved in a wide range of work which could include underscoring plays, setting text to music or creating their own new work.
Venues have included Bristol Old Vic, the Mercury, Colchester and Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre.
Applications are now open for the next venue which will be the Royal Shakespeare Company. The placement will begin in April next year and the closing date for submissions is Tuesday 25 October.
Angela Thomas
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