TESS The Musical

BBC HOST LENDS VOICE TO NEW MUSICAL

14/12/2016

BBC radio presenter John Griff has added his voice to new British musical TESS - literally.

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.

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TESS talks on the BBC

17/6/2015

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In an exclusive interview with BBC Radio,
TESS creators Michael Blore and Michael Davies
discuss their new British musical theatre venture.

“There’s no point in writing something if it isn’t going to be performed”, says lyricist and award-winning playwright Davies talking about a writing project that has lasted two years. “Built in to the process has been this thought in the back of our mind of how practical is this, how could somebody put this on a stage, what would they need, what are the resources that are going to be required to do it".

The 2 Michaels -
Davies and Blore
TESS creators Michael Davies and Michael Blore
give their first ever interview

Based on Thomas Hardy’s much-loved novel “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”, TESS tell the devastating story of a poor village girl embarking on an emotional and dramatic journey that will lead to love, loss and ultimate tragedy.

“It was one of those stories that just stayed with me”, explains composer Blore who first read the novel as a teenager. “And I think that’s what gives it a chance (of success), because the best musicals are always about the story”. As Davies states, “it’s one of those stories that just kind of sticks in the public’s consciousness”.

With a majestic, classically romantic score and an evocative libretto, “the idea now”, says Davies, “is to get the support and try to get people on board and if they like it to spread the word”.

The 2 Michaels talk to BBC Radio Northampton presenter John Griff. For more details about the show, please go to www.tessthemusical.com

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BBC HOST LENDS VOICE TO NEW MUSICAL

TESS talks on the BBC

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BBC HOST LENDS VOICE TO NEW MUSICAL

TESS talks on the BBC

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