Jeanne: The Musical - Original Studio Cast 2015

A legendary heroine brought vibrantly to life in an ambitious musical; Jeanne is the dramatic story of one of history's most charismatic and courageous women, Joan of Arc. Olivier Award nominated singer song-writer Shirlie Roden composed 'Jeanne' over a five month period in 1981. She continued to work on its development in the following years, working closely with music producer John Miller, theatre producer Bill Kenwright, and creating additional rewrites under the guidance of director Robin Phillips. The epic rock-opera premiered at Birmingham Repertory Theatre in September 1985, starring Siobhan McCarthy in the title role alongside Peter Straker and Malcolm Roberts. The production subsequently transferred to London's Sadler's Wells for a limited season in March 1986 directed by Bill Kenwright, starring Rebecca Storm as Jeanne.

'Jeanne' traces the story of the legendary fifteenth-century Joan of Arc, a young peasant girl destined for greatness, who claims to have been chosen by God to liberate her country and to crown the Dauphin as King of France. The dramatic raising of the siege of Orleans finds Jeanne fulfilling her vision, standing beside the Dauphin as he is crowned. After failing to retake Paris, Jeanne is later captured and taken to Rouen to stand trial where her destiny is sealed as she is condemned as a heretic and sentenced to be burned alive.

The previously unreleased original studio cast album, recorded during the show's development, now makes its debut on CD featuring composer Shirlie Roden as Jeanne alongside Richard Barnes ('Jesus Christ Superstar' - Original London Cast), Peter Straker ('Hair' - Original London Cast) and Carl Wayne ('Blood Brothers').