Tess The Musical
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#TeamTess back in the studio

8/4/2019

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MUSIC from the new British show TESS is to be made commercially available for the first time as the creative team go back into the recording studio.
 
Composer Michael Blore and lyricist Michael Davies are to record a new version of the heroine’s solo The Wrong Side of the Door. The song will be performed by industry newcomer Jessie-Mae Thomas, who starred as Tess in recent workshop performances at the RSC’s studio theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The single will be available for download online, and the sheet music will also go on sale when the recording is released on May 1, 2019 – timed to match the title of the musical’s opening number, The First Day of May.
Tess The Musical, Siobhan Dillon, Tam Mutu, Simon Bailey, Concept Album, Musical Theatre
CONCEPT ALBUM

A full concept album recording of 
TESS, produced by Sunim Koria, is already available to listen to at the show’s website www.tessthemusical.com and has won five-star praise from critics and fans.

​The new single – also produced by Koria – will be the first time a number from the show has had a commercial release.
THE WRONG SIDE OF THE DOOR

​Blore said: “Jessie did such a fantastic job of bringing the role to life on stage and we are thrilled that she has agreed to give us a more permanent record of her performance. Anyone who saw her at The Other Place will know just what a talent she is, and her rendition of The Wrong Side of the Door was particularly moving. We can’t wait to see what she comes up with in the studio.”
Jessie-Mae Thomas, Tess The Musical
Jessie-Mae Thomas, the first stage Tess
TESS is a new British adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s epic novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles. It has been featured on Radio 2’s Elaine Paige on Sunday programme and talks are currently under way for a full staging of the show in 2020. Meanwhile, followers and fans can sign up on the website to join #TeamTess and be given free access to hear the entire concept album, featuring lead vocals by Siobhan Dillon, Tam Mutu and Simon Bailey.
David Fawbert Photography, Night Project Theatre, Jessie-Mae Thomas, Phil John, Tess The Musical, Tess The New Musical
Jessie-Mae Thomas, as Tess, with Phil John, as Alec d'Urberville
DRAMATIC JOURNEY

​Set in the Wessex so beloved by Hardy, TESS tells the devastating story of Tess Durbeyfield, daughter of a poor villager who fatefully discovers that they may be related to the ancient aristocratic d’Urberville family. As Tess is sent to seek respectability with her new-found relatives, she embarks on an emotional and dramatic journey that leads to love, loss and ultimate tragedy.
For regular news and updates about the show and its development, follow @MusicalTess on social media.

Read again

'How to make a musical' blogs by TESS lyricist Michael Davies on WhatsOnStage:


Part 1: From page to concept album - WhatsOnStage
Part 2: Putting it out there - WhatsOnStage
Part 3: Tiptoeing towards the stage - WhatsOnStage
Part 4: Seeing is believing - WhatsOnStage
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BBC HOST LENDS VOICE TO NEW MUSICAL

14/12/2016

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BBC radio presenter John Griff has added his voice to new British musical TESS - literally.
John Griff
John Griff in the TESS studio
‘The Grifster’, whose afternoon show airs on BBC Radio Northampton every weekday, has provided guest vocals in three of the show’s big songs, including a solo spot as a money-grabbing banker in the riotous ensemble number Pleasure City.
 
Griff recorded his studio turn earlier this month and will be heard when the album of TESS is released in 2017. He’s previously interviewed the musical’s writers, Michael Blore and Michael Davies, on his show and is following its progress with regular updates for listeners.

Lyricist Davies said: “What some of John’s audience may not know is that, as well as being a supremely talented radio broadcaster, he’s also got a terrific singing voice, and we were delighted when he picked up our challenge of getting involved in the cast recording. His characterisations are superb and he’s the ultimate professional, so we couldn’t be more thrilled that he’ll be featured on the album.”

​
TESS is a sumptuous new adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Three demo tracks are already available for free online at www.tessthemusical.com and the album recording of the full show is expected to be released in the autumn of 2017.
  • Siobhan Dillon and Tam Mutu to lead Tess cast recording - whatsonstage
  • Tim Rice backs new British musical - carnstheatrepassion
  • West End stars join the team for musical Tess - stageylady 
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NEW MUSICAL TESS UNVEILS LEADING LADY

31/5/2016

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​NEW MUSICAL TESS UNVEILS LEADING LADY
The iconic title role in the forthcoming album recording of new British musical TESS is to be played by West End star Siobhan Dillon.
 
The television favourite, who first rose to fame in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hunt for a Maria in The Sound of Music, has been unveiled as the eponymous heroine in the musical adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s iconic novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles.
Written by Michael Blore and Michael Davies, the album is the culmination of two years’ work. Siobhan’s co-stars have already been revealed as Tam Mutu, playing the villainous Alec d’Urberville, and Simon Bailey as her great love Angel Clare.

'BLOWN AWAY'
 

Composer Blore and lyricist Davies said they were “absolutely blown away” that Siobhan had agreed to step into the shoes of the tragic country girl battling her fateful destiny. They added: “There was a very short shortlist for this role, and Siobhan was on it. We didn’t dare hope we might be able to secure her fantastic talent, so we are more than excited that she is so keen to support this new work".
Siobhan Dillon
Siobhan Dillon will sing
​Tess of the d'Urbervilles
SUNSET BOULEVARD
​
Siobhan’s first professional appearance was understudying Sandy in the 2007 revival of Grease (Piccadilly Theatre). She went on to tour the UK in Bill Kenwright’s Can’t Smile Without You and as Sally Bowles in Cabaret before playing the role of Vivienne in the Olivier award-winning Legally Blonde (Savoy), Claire in EX (Soho Theatre) and the leading role of Molly in Ghost The Musical (West End).
 

She recently played opposite Glenn Close in Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard at English National Opera (Coliseum) and before that appeared as Ellen in Miss Saigon (Prince Edward).
 
Workshops include Jules in Bend It Like Beckham and Karen in From Here To Eternity, and her concert appearances include performing with Paul Gambaccini and the BBC Concert Orchestra on BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night.
 

TESS is a new, fully sung-through adaptation of the much-loved novel. Pre-production is already under way on the album, which will be produced by Sunim Koria with orchestrations by Michael Blore. Recording is scheduled for the summer of 2016.
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Broadway leading man joins TESS album

27/5/2016

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BROADWAY LEADING MAN JOINS TESS ALBUM
Broadway and West End leading man Tam Mutu has signed up as one of three headline names on an album recording of new musical TESS.
 
Tam, who made his Broadway debut last year in the title role of Dr Zhivago (“utterly perfect” - Washington Times), is to sing the role of the villainous Alec d’Urberville in the new adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s much-loved novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles.

​
Written by Michael Blore and Michael Davies, the show is to be recorded as an original album later this year, with a fully staged production expected to follow.
A multi-award-winning performer and West End favourite, Tam alternated the role of the Phantom in Love Never Dies  with Ramin Karimloo (Adelphi), starred as Anatoly in Chess (Princess of Wales Theatre, Toronto) and won a clutch of awards as Javert in Les Miserables (Queen’s), including best performance in a long-running musical and best performance of a song for “Stars”.
 
His credits also include Love’s Labour’s Lost, Anything Goes, South Pacific and The Royal Hunt of the Sun at the National Theatre and a season with the RSC, where he played Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet and Edmund in King Lear. Other leading roles include Dinos Chapman in Rupert Goold’s Dr Faustus for Headlong.
Tam Mutu
Tam Mutu will sing Alec d'Urberville
On screen, Tam has appeared in TV’s Waking the Dead, Holby City, Doctors and Footballers Wives as well as the feature film The Butcher’s Shop. He’s also no stranger to radio, having appeared on the BBC’s Friday Night is Music Night,  Masked Heroes and A Celebration of the Western.
 

'Dreamland'
​

Composer Michael Blore said: “To say it will be an honour to work with Tam is an understatement. He is dream casting and will bring not only his stunning talent but also an incredible wealth of West End and Broadway experience to the role of Alec d’Urberville. When we set out on planning an album of the show, it’s safe to say we never imagined that we could secure the services of so many truly wonderful performers. We really are in Dreamland.”
 

Two years in the writing, TESS is a fully sung-through new British musical. Recording is scheduled for the summer of 2016, with orchestrations by Blore and production by Sunim Koria. West End star Simon Bailey has already been announced to play Angel Clare, and the casting of the title role is due to be unveiled shortly.
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TESS SCOOPS WEST END STAR FOR ALBUM RECORDING

20/5/2016

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TESS SCOOPS WEST END STAR FOR ALBUM RECORDING
WEST End star and musical theatre heart-throb Simon Bailey has been named as one of three headliners for the album recording of new British musical TESS.
 
Writers Michael Blore and Michael Davies said they were “thrilled” Bailey would be starring in their musical adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s much-loved novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles playing the role of Tess’s great love, Angel Clare.
 
Currently appearing as Bob Gaudio in the West End production of Jersey Boys, Bailey has performed in some of the biggest shows in musical theatre history. He’s played Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s), Enjolras in the 21st anniversary cast of Les Miserables (Queen’s) and Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (New London).
Other credits include We Will Rock You (Dominion), 
​Passion (Donmar Warehouse) and I Can’t Sing! The X-Factor Musical (Palladium). He played Officer Starnes and Tom Watson in the critically acclaimed Parade at the Southwark Playhouse, for which he was nominated in the Broadway World awards as best featured actor in a musical.
 
Bailey is also a founder member of Teatro, Theatreland’s first supergroup. Teatro achieved gold status with their eponymous debut album after just three weeks, making them one of the fastest selling musical theatre acts of all time. They’ve performed across the world, as well as at the Royal Variety Performance. Simon’s solo concerts, meanwhile, have won him fans all over the UK and further afield, including Kuala Lumpur, Egypt and the US.
Simon Bailey
Simon Bailey will sing Angel Clare
Lyricist Michael Davies said: “We are thrilled and rather awed to have Simon on board. His extraordinary voice and amazing track record in the world of musical theatre will add something wonderful to the role of Angel.”
 ​
TESS is a new, fully sung-through adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s much-loved novel. Pre-production work on the album of the show is already under way, with further casting news expected over the coming weeks and recording scheduled for the summer of 2016.
 

The album will be produced by Sunim Koria, with orchestrations by Michael Blore. Casting announcements for the other two leading roles - Alec d’Urberville and Tess herself - are expected in the next few weeks.
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Latest star announced for new musical album

10/5/2016

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TESS writers Michael Blore and Michael Davies have announced the casting of another key role for the forthcoming album recording of their new British musical.
Tess’s ale-addled father John is to be played by musical theatre veteran James Dinsmore.

Recently appearing in Corbyn the Musical at the Waterloo East Theatre in London, James has worked for leading producer Bill Kenwright in productions of An Ideal Husband and Half a Sixpence. Other credits include Annie, Little Shop of Horrors, Darling of the Day, The Sound of Music, Oliver! and Chess.
He has sung with Scottish Opera in performances of La Boheme
and Wagner's Ring cycle and appeared in Die Fledermaus, 
The Mikado and The Gondoliers with the Carl Rosa Opera Company.

 
'QUALITY SINGERS' 

Lyricist Davies said: “The quality of singers who are willing to support this exciting project has been quite extraordinary. We are absolutely delighted that James, with his hugely impressive track record in musical theatre and opera, has joined our talented cast, and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”

James Dinsmore
James Dinsmore will sing
​John Durbeyfield
TESS is a fully sung-through adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s much-loved novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Pre-production work on the album of the show is already under way, with further casting news expected over the coming weeks and recording scheduled for the summer of 2016. 
​
The album will be produced by Sunim Koria, with orchestrations by composer Blore.
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West End star signs up for new musical album

22/4/2016

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THE first star in the final round of casting for new British musical TESS has been announced.
 
Writers Michael Blore and Michael Davies have been working on casting the five principal roles for the album recording of their adaptation of Tess of the d’Urbervilles
.
Now they have revealed that the part of Tess’s mother, Joan Durbeyfield, is to be played by West End star JACQUELINE TATE.
 
Tate has performed in shows and concerts around the world, including appearing as Bloody Mary in South Pacific (Barbican and national tour), Christmas Eve in Avenue Q (Wyndham’s, Gielgud and national tour) and Madame Giry in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre).
 
Trained at the Royal Northern College of Music and the London School of Musical Theatre, her international credits include My Fair Lady in Singapore and Evita in Beirut for Nikolai Foster, as well as The Pirates of Penzance and The Merry Widow for the Carl Rosa Opera Company on tours of the UK, USA, Canada and South Africa.
In concert, she’s sung with the London Symphony Orchestra in the Bernstein Mass (Barbican, Marin Alsop, broadcast on BBC Radio 3), the Armenian Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Adiemus, the Israel Chamber Orchestra (Bach Mass in B Minor) and at the Bridgewater Hall under the baton of Kent Nagano (L’Enfance du Christ).

​
Composer Michael Blore said: “From a very strong field of actors we are thrilled to be working with someone of the calibre of Jacqueline. This album already promises to be something quite special and securing such an experienced professional in the role of Joan brings that promise one step closer to reality.”
Jacqueline Tate
Jacqueline Tate will sing Joan Durbeyfield
TESS is a new, fully sung-through adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s much-loved novel. Pre-production work on the album of the show is already under way, with further casting news expected over the coming weeks and recording scheduled for the summer of 2016.

​The album will be produced by Sunim Koria, with orchestrations by Michael Blore.
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Casting announcement - Groby and Parson Tringham

3/3/2016

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​In further news from TESS creators Michael Blore and Michael Davies, it is announced that another two important roles have been cast for the album recording of the show.
Both roles – GROBY and PARSON TRINGHAM – are representative of a society that shuns women in Tess’s heart-breaking position in this new British musical adaptation of Hardy's much-loved novel Tess of the d'Urbervilles.

Hard-nosed farm manager Groby will be played by Olivier award-winning actor NATHAN DOWLING. Having trained at Mountview Academy in London, Nathan went on to perform in national tours of Anything Goes, The King and I, Annie and Tracy Beaker Gets Real. For his work on Jerry Springer: the Opera at the National Theatre he received the Olivier award for ‘Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical’.

​
Local man of the cloth Tringham, who sets in motion the pursuit of the d’Urberville name, will be AARON GIBSON. A graduate of Arts Ed in London, Aaron has enjoyed a career on both stage and screen.  From playing the titular role in Oliver! (Leicester Haymarket Theatre), his theatre credits include Goodnight Mrs Calabash (The Gatehouse Theatre, London), Edges the Musical (The Landor Theatre, London), Let’s Sing (Birmingham Symphony Hall), CBeebies’ Numberjacks (U.K. Tour), Jamie and Anna Live! (U.K. Tour), Aladdin (Belgrade Theatre, Coventry) and Mother Goose (Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds). In film he has recently featured in Zombie Apocalypse and Kaleidoscope Man. “I could not be more proud to be a part of this exciting new cast recording’, he says, adding, “What a thrilling experience to be working with this team of talented artists. The story lends itself so lovingly to musical form and promises to capture hearts nationwide. I have high hopes for the show’s success and look forward to sharing it with others who I know will adore it!”
Picture
This concludes the second stage of casting for the album of TESS. Renowned casting director Anne Vosser will be holding auditions for the five principal roles on March 31st and April 1st at the Dance Attic in Fulham, London. More details are expected to be released later this week. 

​
Produced by Sunim Koria, work on pre-production of the album will begin in April.

Composer Michael Blore said: “It will be a privilege to work with so many artists of such a high quality.  I can’t wait! Bringing the score to life will be a dream come true with something of a dream cast.”
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Casting announcement - The Dairymaids

1/3/2016

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​TESS creators Michael Blore and Michael Davies are delighted to announce the casting of three crucial roles for the forthcoming album recording of the show - the Dairymaids.
The trio - MARIAN, IZZY and RETTY - not only provide some comic relief but also give Tess significant support as she battles with her personal tragedies in the new British musical adaptation of Hardy's much-loved novel Tess of the d'Urbervilles.
 
Dipsomaniac dairymaid Marian will be played by SALLY JOLLIFFE, whose lead roles include productions at Birmingham's Hippodrome and New Alex theatres, as well as more intimate concerts and cabarets across the UK. She said: "I'm really excited about recording this beautiful score with a very talented cast and team."
 
NIKKI CROSS takes the role of Izzy, an old hand on the farm where Tess finds work. Nikki trained with leading young people's company Playbox Theatre, and recent credits include Singin’ In The Rain, The Pajama Game and Annie (Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa), Sweeney Todd, Little Shop of Horrors, Godspell and Scrooge (The Loft), Humpty Dumpty (Talisman Theatre), The Full Monty, Boogie Nights, 
The Wedding Singer (Spa Theatre Company) and Hair (The Dream Factory, Warwick). Born in Bristol, she claims she is “very much looking forward to getting the chance to revive my native West Country accent!”   

 
The young and naive Retty will be played by PHILIPPA ROSE, currently training at Mountview
​Academy of Theatre Arts in London. A veteran of Rugby Theatre, she previously worked with composer Michael Blore on The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. Other credits include Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon, the promiscuous teenager Ivy in Total Theatre's production of Bare, and 
Lois in Mountview's production of Kiss Me Kate. After TESS, she says she is “looking forward to graduation and seeing what the professional world holds for me”.
Picture
This is the second tranche of casting for the TESS album after the Chorus was announced earlier this month. Renowned casting director Anne Vosser will be holding auditions for five principal roles on March 31st and April 1st at the Dance Attic in Fulham, London. More details are expected to be released later this week. 
 
Produced by Sunim Koria, work on pre-production of the album will begin in April.
 
Lyricist Michael Davies said: “We are thrilled with the latest developments in casting and delighted to welcome on board so many performers of such quality and talent. It really feels that we are at the start of something rather extraordinary."
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    ​MORE NEWS

    ​BACK IN THE STUDIO
    ​SELL-OUT WORKSHOP SHOWS
    NEW LONDON SHOWCASE

    BANBURY LITERARY FESTIVAL
    ​​
    TESS WEST END SHOWCASE 
    DUET GETS LONDON OUTING
    ​ELAINE PAIGE ON SUNDAY

    1ST WHAT'S ON STAGE ARTICLE
    FIRST SONG PERFORMANCE
    BBC HOST SINGS ON ALBUM
    LEADING LADY UNVEILED

    BROADWAY STAR JOINS ALBUM
    TESS SCOOPS WEST END STAR
    LATEST STAR ANNOUNCED
    WEST END STAR SIGNS UP 
    CASTING NOTICE
    CASTING GROBY & TRINGHAM
    CASTING THE DAIRYMAIDS
    FIRST CASTING FOR ALBUM
    TIM RICE BACKS TESS
    TESS ALBUM ANNOUNCEMENT
    IN CONVERSATION WITH CTP
    TESS ON THE BBC


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