TESS The Musical

Tess selected for West End showcase

3/4/2018

New British musical TESS has been chosen to be featured in a special showcase evening in London’s West End later this month.

Staged by Baxter & Batten Productions, the Composure event aims to shine a spotlight on new work “composed by provocative emerging writers”.

ABOVE THE ARTS

The showcase, in association with the Arts Theatre in the heart of the West End, will be hosted in the exclusive Above the Arts bar at 8pm on Wednesday, April 18.

NEXT 'HAMILTON'

The producers promise the opportunity to “experience the forefront of bold, innovative musical writing before anyone else”, adding: “This relaxed evening is perfect for sharing a drink with friends and creative associates, and keeping your eyes peeled for the next Hamilton.”

TESS is a new adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s much-loved novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles, composed by Michael Blore with book and lyrics by award-winning playwright Michael Davies. A concept album of the show has been released and is available to listen to online at tessthemusical.com/album where you can also sign up to #TeamTess for the latest news and updates.

WHAT'S ON STAGE

Meanwhile, Davies is blogging about the pair’s journey towards a professional production at the leading theatre website whatsonstage.com under the title ‘How to Make a Musical’.

Other shows featured at the Composure night include Turning 30 by Harry Style and Amy Le Rossignol, Mess by Michael D Rasmusson and Imogen Halsey, Obella by Stephanie Jayne Amies and Teddy Clements, and Perfectly Ordinary by Joe Wilson and Matthew Rankcom.

COMPOSURE

For more information follow @BaxterandBatten
on Twitter, where you can also find @MusicalTess,
or visit www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk

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Tess duet gets London outing

15/3/2018

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A love duet from new British musical TESS has been given a concert airing at a prestigious London venue.

'One Look of Love', taken from the musical adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s epic novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles, was featured in the Snappy Title concert at Chelsea’s Pheasantry nightspot.

'VERY WELL RECEIVED'

The duet, performed by Nic Chiappetta and Stephanie Jörgensen, was “very well received” by a “large and appreciative audience”, according to concert organiser Peter Auker, who runs the New Musicals Network.

ELAINE PAIGE ON SUNDAY

TESS, which was featured recently on Radio 2’s Elaine Paige on Sunday programme, is written by composer Michael Blore and award-winning playwright Michael Davies. A concept album recording of the show, featuring lead vocals by Siobhan Dillon, Tam Mutu and Simon Bailey, has also been released.

FREE ACCESS

The album is available to listen to free on the website www.tessthemusical.com as part of a drive to get the show fully staged. Followers and fans can sign up to join #TeamTess and be given free access to hear the whole recording.

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.

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FIRST PUBLIC PERFORMANCE OF A SONG FROM 'TESS'

29/8/2017

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One of the featured songs from new British musical TESS is to get a public airing for the first time in a concert performance next month.

Nikki Cross to sing 'Guardian Angel' from TESS

Actress and singer Nikki Cross will perform 'Guardian Angel' as part of an evening of musical theatre favourites entitled Nikki Sings Things.

Nikki is no stranger to the TESS score after singing the role of dairymaid Izzy on the forthcoming concept album recording of the show. Composer Michael Blore said: “It is fitting that Nikki should be the first person to sing one of our songs live. She is a very talented performer who is not only great fun on the album but has also been a joy to work with.”

The TESS recording is due for completion within the next couple of months and features West End and Broadway stars Siobhan Dillon, Tam Mutu and Simon Bailey in the three principal roles.

'EXCITING'

Nikki said: “I am very much looking forward to getting my hands on a copy and was so grateful to be part of such an exciting new musical.”

Nikki Sings Things starts at 7.30pm on Thursday September 21 at The Stagey Fox in Regent Street, Leamington Spa. It forms part of a season of events at the venue throughout the autumn, including concerts, play readings and storytelling.