2016. The computer revolution. In a world becoming ever more technologically advanced, and reliant upon computers, machine learning and artificial intelligence are rapidly and fundamentally changing every aspect of human experience. But how does technology affect art and the creative process?
In a world first, Sky Arts and Wingspan Theatricals will explore this question by presenting the premiere of the world’s first ‘computer musical’. Beyond the Fence will play at the Arts Theatre in London from 22 February to 5 March 2016, directed by Luke Sheppard, choreographed by Cressida Carre and produced by Neil Laidlaw. Press Night is Friday 26 February.
Beyond the Fence is conceived by computer and substantially crafted by computer. It is modelled on a statistical study of the ‘recipe for success’ in hit musicals. This groundbreaking process is being filmed for a Sky Arts TV series titled Computer Says Show, chronicling this unique experiment (to be broadcast in spring 2016). In collaboration with leading experts in music, computation and the science of human creativity, composer Benjamin Till and his husband, writer and actor, Nathan Taylor, the team behind Our Gay Wedding: The Musical (Channel 4), will bring a whole range of computer-generated material to life. The experiment has been designed and co-ordinated by Dr Catherine Gale, who also produces and directs the series.
Phil Edgar-Jones, director of Sky Arts said: “This is a fascinating project that we’re extremely proud to be a part of. At Sky Arts, we’re always excited by innovation and this venture offers an intriguing glimpse into how technology is changing music evolution. Can an algorithm create music with all the humanity, emotion and drama that a person can bring? This question captivates us. We cannot wait to see the result.”
Beyond the Fence started as an experiment, with researchers delving into what makes a good musical, from production and story to music and lyrics. Scientists used their findings to fine-tune computational systems which would in turn create brand new musical material. The question is: can these computer algorithms create something collaboratively with humans that can entertain, touch or inspire them? Audiences will only know once the show, designed to deliver the optimum elements for a success, opens as part of this new production.
The show
September 1982. Mary and her daughter George are celebrating one year of living at the Greenham Common peace camp. The group of women they have joined are all committed to stopping the arrival of US cruise missiles through non-violent protest. When Mary is faced with losing her child to the authorities, an unlikely ally is found in US Airman Jim Meadow. How can she continue to do what is best for her daughter while staying true to her ideals?
The team
Nathan Taylor has appeared in many West End shows including Mary Poppins, Spamalot, Taboo, Miss Saigon, Martin Guerre, The Rocky Horror Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Les Misérables. As a writer, Taylor supplied additional lyrics for the musical Brass by Benjamin Till, he wrote the lyrics for Four Colours, an EP released to support the work of the Kaleidoscope Trust, and most recently was nominated for a BAFTA for co-writing music and lyrics for Our Gay Wedding: The Musical (Channel 4), in which he also got married, to Benjamin Till.
Benjamin Till has had a 20-year career focused on pioneering the genre of the through-sung musical film documentary. His TV films have been nominated for and won many major awards. He is the composer of The London Requiem (a setting of inscriptions from gravestones found across London) and his most recent stage musical, Brass, won the UK Theatre Award for Best Musical Production. CD recordings include The London Requiem and the forthcoming Pepys Motet (a 20-part a cappella setting of Samuel Pepys’ Diary). Till and his husband Nathan Taylor were the grooms and writers of the BAFTA-nominated Our Gay Wedding: The Musical, which won a Grierson Award and the Prix Italia.
Luke Sheppard’s most recent credits include In the Heights (King’s Cross Theatre); Oliver! (Watermill); Casa Valentina (Southwark Playhouse) and The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ (Curve Theatre).
Choreographer Cressida Carré’s most recent credits include Titanic (Princess of Wales Theatre, Toronto); Avenue Q (UK tour); The Grand Tour (Finborough Theatre); The Jungle Book (Citizens Theatre, Glasgow).
Neil Laidlaw is one of the co-producers of Gypsy (Savoy Theatre). His other recent productions include A Doll’s House (Duke of York’s and BAM, New York), Jigsy (UK tour) and The Steamie (Scottish tour).
Dr Catherine Gale has credits in both academia (post-doctoral research fellowships in HIV genomics, bioinformatics and computational biomedicine) and television, working on science programmes for BBC2, 4, Channel 4 and PBS. Recent directing credits include the award-winning The Joy of Logic (BBC) and The Brain – What Makes Me (PBS).
Beyond the Fence was commissioned by Sky Arts as part of Computer Says Show, a forthcoming television series by Wingspan Productions who devised this experiment.
Founded and headed by Archie Baron, factual indie Wingspan’s recent award-winning productions include Our Gay Wedding – The Musical’ (C4), The Joy of Stats, Don’t Panic – The Truth about Population, The Joy of Logic and Ian Hislop: When Bankers Were Good (BBC). Musical productions range from The Great American Love Song (ITV) to Angelic Voices: The Choristers of Salisbury Cathedral (BBC).
Cast to be announced.
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