NEW MUSICAL WORKSHOPS IN 2026

In 2026 we worked on five new musicals as part of our series of New Musical Workshops. 

During our residential and non-residential workshops, our Young Company Members have the opportunity to work alongside composers, writers and our professional creatives in developing brand new music theatre, while at the same time further developing their own skills in acting, singing and dance.

Unbound

Unbound by Matthew Harvey

7 – 12 April 2026 | Residential Workshop at The King's School, Canterbury

Home-schooled Iris Stone has finally convinced her mother to let her attend Black Lake High. Ready for an ordinary life of friends, parties and school spirit, Iris’ world is turned upside down when she unknowingly frees an ancient witch and finds herself part of the coven. 

Will Iris’ newfound powers help her win over her new classmates, or spell disaster for the town of Beggars Hollow? Set to an 80’s fuelled pop-rock score, Unbound explores the nuances of community and what it is to belong.

Lifelines

Lifelines by Hayley Canham

25–29 May 2026 | Non-residential workshop in London

Lifelines is an uplifting new musical about growing up where life stands still - a children’s hospital. On the ward, united by illness and fuelled by imagination, unlikely friendships spark. When quiet newcomer Alfie risks missing his brother’s big day, rebellious Florence convinces him to try and live a little...with life-threatening results. Years later, Florence is back - older, alone, and carrying scars that have never quite healed.

With a contemporary MT/singer-songwriter score, Lifelines is a moving exploration of hope, second chances and the courage of young people to tackle whatever life throws at them.

The Unstoppable Letty Pegg

The Unstoppable Letty Pegg by Helen Arney and James Hughes

20 – 25 July 2026 | Residential Workshop at The King's School, Canterbury

Take a stand with the Jiu Jitsu Suffragettes as they bring their fight to the stage! The Unstoppable Letty Pegg follows our 11-year-old heroine as she navigates her complicated family life amongst the highs and lows of chaotic Edwardian London. With a working-class policeman father and upper-class Suffragette mother, Lettice Pegg feels confused, unseen and powerless. Until she discovers the Jiu Jitsu Suffragettes of the Golden Square Dojo – and yes, they really did exist! Together they transform Lettice, but has she become unstoppable enough to save her family when danger strikes? Ichi, ni, san, GO! 

The Ballad of Raggedy Alice

The Ballad of Raggedy Alice Score by Roy Raby; Book and Lyrics by Robert Messik; story by Robert Messik and James Brett.

2 – 7 August 2026 | Residential Workshop at The King's School, Canterbury

Every year, five lucky villagers are chosen to sail to Paradise – a place so wonderful no one has ever come back. All Alice has ever wanted is to be on that boat. But when her wish finally comes true, she discovers that Paradise may be anything but.

Set in the gloriously grotesque town of Festerburgh, this darkly funny new musical blends Tim Burton’s gothic whimsy with Sondheim-esque wit and Monty Python absurdity – a riotous fable for anyone who’s ever wondered whether the grass really is greener on the other side.

School Play

School Play by Mat Pritchard and Tom Williams

9 – 14 August 2026 | Residential Workshop at The King's School, Canterbury

School Play is a fast-paced, funny and heartfelt new musical set backstage during a chaotic school production.  Taking place in near real time, it follows the Star, their long-suffering Understudy, rebellious members of the Chorus, and the put-upon Stage Crew, as everything that can go wrong does.  Overseeing the mayhem are a jaded Director, out-of-place Science Teacher, exasperated Head and interfering Parents. As crises mount – a blackout, a strike, an unconscious lead performer – the Understudy must find their courage to step up and save the show.  A love letter to school theatre, School Play celebrates the comic disasters and quiet triumphs that make youth performance so unforgettable – for all sorts of reasons...