Dave Willetts played Father God in Love Beyond the Musical at Wembley Arena in 2014
The new musical Love Beyond, ‘a unique presentation of the greatest love story ever told, unfolding the entire story of the Bible as never before’, has played in front of more than 11,000 people with its ‘one-off’ arena shows at the Brighton Centre in 2013 and Wembley Arena in 2014, cast with a host of West End musical theatre performers.
However, while one critic wrote that: “This is not another Godspell, Joseph nor even Jesus Christ Superstar! It is more spectacular, more uplifting, even bigger!” – the difference is that Love Beyond is not the creation of a well-known musical producer or composer, but the labour of love of an automotive engineer, Richard Haley and musical theatre actress Tabitha Webb.
From 10 June to 10 July, investors will have the chance to be a part of their journey and help fund a nationwide tour of the show, via the crowdfunding website Kickstarter:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/1975801088/love-beyond-the-musical-national-tour.
Love Beyond is a product of faith and 15 years of writing, composing and development, honed and ready to tour, initially across the UK before heading to the USA and other parts of the world.
All funding to date has been personally raised by the team – giving up careers, selling houses and using savings to the tune of approximately £1.5 million. A minimum of a further £400,000 is needed to develop a tour.
The feedback and support received from the 11,000-plus people who have seen the show has been incredible and the requests to visit other parts of the country are innumerable. However, there is a massive cost associated with doing things properly so the producers are now asking for help to take it further.
Rewards await for people who pledge including CDs and unique backstage theatre experiences, as well as singing lessons with West End artists.
Writer, composer and co-producer Richard Haley says: “The Love Beyond UK tour will begin a far reaching journey as a brand new musical epic, made possible by ordinary people. We are committed to make this show a global success. People’s backing will help propel this show and its story of goodness and love to many, many people round the world. We need financial help to make this good news story happen!”
At Wembley Arena, Father God was played by West End star Dave Willetts – the first person in the world to ever play the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. He adds: “The first time I heard the music from Love Beyond, it reminded me of when we first heard Phantom and Les Mis, sitting backstage with goosebumps – this show and its music is epic and could easily go on to be as big as those shows.”
Love Beyond has music and lyrics by Richard Haley and Tabitha Webb, backed up by a West End team including set designer Sean Kavanagh (Dreamboats and Petticoats, Rat Pack – Live From Las Vegas, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), lighting designer Ben Cracknell (Dancing in the Streets, Classical Brit and Olivier Awards, Our House on tour) and musical director Stuart Morley (We Will Rock You). Musical supervision is by West End leading lady Webb, who has played Christine in The Phantom of the Opera and Cosette in Les Misérables.
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