From writer and producer Kaz Moloney comes an epic new musical about John Harrison, the genius who solved the problem of longitude and transformed seafaring forever. This summer, Upstairs at the Gatehouse will hold the world premiere of Longitude, telling the incredible story of 18th century carpenter and clockmaker Harrison, who is buried nearby in St John’s Parish Church, Hampstead.
Longitude tells the unbelievable tale of Harrison’s endeavours to solve the problem of estimating longitude, and saving lives that were being lost at sea across the world. A humble carpenter, Harrison invented a revolutionary clock, the marine chronometer, which could calculate longitude at sea – opening up trade routes and enabling safe passage across treacherous waters.
Over four decades, Harrison faced enormous odds and had to overcome immense challenges. He submitted the chronometer for the Longitude Prize, worth £20,000, but the committee refused to reward him as his invention was so remarkable they didn’t believe it. From spurious sea voyages to test his inventions, people stealing his prototypes and changing rules, Harrison fought hard for his invention to be supported, but his inability to argue his case worked against him.
Longitude features original book by Robert Trippini and new book by Kaz Moloney, with lyrics by Kaz Moloney, and music by Kaz Moloney, William Godfree and David Moloney. A portion of the profits from Longitude will be donated to the RNLI.
Writer and Producer of Longitude Kaz Moloney comments, My close collaborator on this project is my brother. Our father was a pilot, navigator and sailor, so conversations at family dinners frequently featured going somewhere adventurous and coming home safely. I guess that’s where my fascination with John Harrison began. Most of us know the feeling of being excluded, rejected, misunderstood. When John Harrison went to London to persuade the Board of Longitude that he had an answer to their problem, they laughed at him. But this man was so driven, so dogged and so diligent that he proved them wrong. He will inspire and uplift you. Put your life jackets on, you are about to enter a storm, and have tissues at the ready. This is a story of obsession, danger, injustice and love.
Upstairs at the Gatehouse comments, Our venue is quickly establishing itself as a vital part of the musical theatre landscape. In Longitude, we’re thrilled to present yet another exciting new work and continue our leading role in platforming and supporting new writers.
Longitude is at Upstairs at The Gatehouse Thursday 13th June – Sunday 7th July 2024
