new musical DUNCTON WOOD at the Union Theatre

[bob8rich]

Posted: 4/15/15 at 4:41pm

"Duncton Wood", a new musical, will be staged at the Union Theatre from May 27 to June 20:

"Based on a novel by William Horwood about the coming of the chosen one in the world of the animal kingdom - moles - and their quest to find seven stones that when joined will restore the magic to a kingdom overcome with hate since the arrival of evil forces.

A sweeping novel in the style of Watership Down and Lord Of The Rings, where animals are portrayed as primeval man with all the vengeance and capacity for love we possess. The show is operatic in the style of Vaughn Williams."

The music & lyrics are by actor Mark Carroll (who is currently in the cast of "Memphis" at the Shaftesbury and played Billy's Dad in the wonderful production of "Billy" at the Union back in 2013.)

Great to see the Union flying the flag for new musical theatre writing! I've already booked my ticket - really looking forward to seeing this.

 

Updated On: 4/15/15 at 04:41 PM

[Lady_Fluff]

Posted: 5/29/15 at 4:15am

Holy Moley! I've justfound this post and I'm so excited - the two Duncton trilogies are some of my favourite books and I happen to be in London next week. I'm at Gypsy on Monday but I'm hoping I can persuade my other half to come and see this with me on one of our free evenings, I'd love to see what they do with the material!

[ggersten]

Posted: 5/29/15 at 10:41am

Warning: If you've never been to the Union - it's ....small.  Do reserve tickets and get there early as they board - I mean seat - in groups of ten.  And be sure to use a restroom somewhere else before entering the theatre.

BTW, we loved the Union when we were in London, even with its flaws.  But, those flaws will soon be disappearing when its new place opens.

[Margo319]

Posted: 5/29/15 at 3:06pm

Sounds exciting!

[bob8rich]

Posted: 6/2/15 at 7:00pm

Trailer for Duncton Wood:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWcWXrJ7RbU&feature=share&app=desktop

[ggersten]

Posted: 6/2/15 at 10:54pm

The trailer doesn't do much for me (except amusement at how big it makes the Union seem) - and reviews are scarce (and none from London newspapers - so maybe it hasn't officially opened yet?)

Did find this glowing review:  http://britishtheatr...theatre-4stars/ ("This is one of the best productions of a new musical the Union has seen in recent years.")

A mixed review:  http://www.ayoungert...-union-theatre/ ("A gift of a cast – please can it be turned into a gift of a show too?")

Another mixed: https://www.thestage...5/duncton-wood/  ("This may not be West End material, but it could prove a hit with community amateur companies wanting something different")

A positive review:  http://musicaltheatr...-union-theatre/  ("...a fitfully moving tale of mysticism and romance.")

Very positive review:  https://www.londonth...atre-southwark/ ("A very long novel has been compressed into an engaging work of theatre.")

WestEndWilma gives it 4 (out of 5) stars:   http://www.westendwi...-union-theatre/

Another positive review: http://www.westendfr...on-theatre.html ("Whilst there is still work to be done, Duncton Wood shows some promising signs and is a refreshing change from other new musicals to have premiered in recent years.")

[bob8rich]

Posted: 6/3/15 at 12:39pm

I thought the trailer looked and sounded fantastic! It has certainly made me even more excited about the prospect of seeing the show on Sunday - though just the prospect of hearing the beautiful tone of Oli Reynolds' voice is exciting enough!

Official Press Night has already been - but it's actually not unusual for the major newspapers to ignore reviewing Fringe musicals. It's indicative of the huge problem that prevails in the UK for any new writing to be able to emerge (and there's a huge amount of GREAT new writing out there) - it receives little encouragement or support.

 

[Gary Naylor]

Posted: 6/4/15 at 12:51pm

I reviewed it here and I thought it was weak, despite the fact that I so wanted it to succeed. I was surprised by so many positive reviews elsewhere, but reaction to musicals, like comedies, can be very subjective.

I usually love the work at the Union, but I couldn't get on with this at all. 

[ggersten]

Posted: 6/4/15 at 1:24pm

Thanks, Gary Naylor. I found your review and have linked it:  Mr. Naylor's review - Not Positive

[bob8rich]

Posted: 6/7/15 at 6:58pm

Saw it this afternoon and loved it. It was utterly captivating from the first second to the last, the music was beautiful and the performances were universally excellent with Josh Little and Oli Reynolds particularly impressive.