Image shows a closed red curtain on theatre stage - is the stage set for musical after musical?

Lucy Matthews

Musicals possess the same comforting effects as a beloved thick blanket in the winter, and their recent increase in production, with each tale as diverse from the next shows this power is far from waning. 

Whenever I get on the tube, I find myself beckoned by the dramatic imagery of West End posters. Les Misérables piques my curiosity, Tina’s boldness captivates me, and The Lion King sparks my imagination. Such musicals have long provided society with an escape through stories of warring witches, dazzling dancers and runaway kids who yearn to escape the hardships of their lives.

“No matter the story, everyone finds shards of themselves in characters on stage.”

Over recent years, the demand for shocking and moving stories delivered in song has only risen. Indeed, this year alone, six musicals are up for release, each as diverse and unique as the next. It seems that today’s musicals are defined by their commitment to following no set guidelines when it comes to the storyline. Making their way into the film stratosphere, it seems that this theatrical freedom is being embraced by all of the storytelling industry.

Society’s connection with musicals

Back in 2020, we were thwarted by the coronavirus pandemic in our cinematic pilgrimages. This provoked a huge economic downfall in the theatre world, with the arts industry facing losses of nearly £200 million. 

Many feared the sector would take its final bow and the curtains would close forever. Yet, just like Maria from the Sound of Music who brings joy and music back into the Vonn Trapp family home, it bounced back. Arts Professional has since reported the sector as  17.9 per cent up on its pre-pandemic value by the end of 2023.

“When undergoing hardship there is nothing more therapeutic than breaking out into song and dance.”

With economic value rapidly growing, the musical industry has been churning out these genre-defying storylines. Releasing hit after hit of bizarre and beautiful spectacles – it helps us process the grief of the Covid era.

Films Meets Theatre

This January, every school girl’s worst nightmare came true: Casey Nicholaw would be bringing Regina George to the West End this summer in Mean Girls: The Musical. Then, in October, Lady Gaga looks to deliver a chilling musical massacre on the big screen as Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie A Deux. The general public are now spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what realm they want to be taken to via song and dance. Musicals are separating themselves from the constraints of tradition, and are not holding back when it comes to subject matter. They are truly having their moment in film and stage.

While classics such as Moulin Rouge remain box office hits, original musicals are now making way for a whole new wave of productions. Most of which are instilled with fresh narratives and empowering storylines. Most.

When I first discovered that The Devil Wears Prada was being turned into a musical courtesy of Elton John, I immediately conjured up an image in my mind of ruthless editor Miranda Priestley belting out a ballad about belts and cashmere knits. It’s perhaps not quite a storyline that gives Hamilton a run for its money.

@broadwayworld

Get a first look at The Devil Wears Prada in its pre-Broadway run at @broadwayinchicago! 👠

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Celebrities in the melodic firing line

The tales of emerald kingdoms, and gangster Romeo and Juliet have become rivaled by events that have caused a real-life song and dance within society. Everyday life is also being put to music, and celebs have the first roll call.

If, twenty years ago, you’d have told me we’d see the release of Prince Andrew: The Musical? Well, I would have thought: “How lovely! They have decided to honour the life of the (then) second in line to the throne!”. Wouldn’t that have been wholesome.

Instead, we put the Pizza Express-laden car crash that was his Newsnight interview to music. Featuring hits including “My Profiterole” and “England Expects”, the musical was a blistering nexus of current affairs and satire. A defining musical trope is the downfall of a flawed character –  is there any real life figure more suited to this role than Prince Andrew? It seems that directors are now sending warning shots to public figures. They will be used for musical ammunition if they step out of line. Their absurd celebrity personas will be used against them in the name of satire and accountability.

Even Gwyneth Paltrow is receiving her satirical flowers. Pleasance Theatres found inspiration in Paltrow’s poor coordination on the slopes, re-interpreting her March 2023 trial in the musical Gwyneth Goes Skiing. No one seems to be safe.

Character Connection Runs Deep

You may find yourself connecting with Glinda The Good Witch’s eternal maternal protectiveness. You might see yourself through Tracy Turnblad’s unrelenting confidence. But no matter the story, everyone finds shards of themselves in characters on stage.

Musicals possess the power to help us piece together stained-glass windows of self-discovery. This is where their magic lies – such profound character connection sets the musical apart from many art forms.

When undergoing hardship, there is nothing more therapeutic than breaking out into song and dance. If it is societally unacceptable to throw yourself on the floor in Aldi when life doesn’t go your way, we may as well take this pent-up frustration and watch others do it for us on stage.

The turbulence of everyday life will be continue to contrasted with wild off-road musical breakthroughs in the years to come. Whether it is finding a muse in bad, cut-throat barbers (I would rather you not), or naughty princesses- knowing that you are only one ticket away from escaping life’s unexpectedness is the gift of the musical today which knows no bounds. It comes as no surprise we have gone musical mad.

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Featured image courtesy of Gwen King via Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.

Hi! I am Lucy and I enjoy writing satirical and conversational pieces of writing. I am inspired by the likes of Marina Hyde and Dolly Alderton, and my dream is to be a magazine columnist. Whether it is political commentary or analysis on why Beyonce is transforming the music industry, I will always have something to say. I hope you enjoy my writing.

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