Based on an original short story by Ursula Wills-Jones, The Wicker Husband a folk musical is being adapted by composer Darren Clark and book writer Rhys Jennings. With help from director/dramaturge Charlotte Westenra, the Unicorn Theatre, the Little Angel Puppet Theatre and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, the material has already been through a series of workshops with musicians, puppeteers and actors, including Olivier nominated Laura Pitt-Pulford.Unlike most conventional musicals, The Wicker Husband a folk musical, will feature a score influenced by the best of British folk music – performed by an on-stage band of actor-musicians. Hear ‘My Wicker Man’ from The Wicker Husband a folk musical here. This recording was sung by Anne-Marie Piazza in concert at the St James Theatre in July 2015.
In an on-stage landscape populated by human actors, the title role of the
Wicker Husband will be played by a full size puppet made of wicker. He will be operated by three puppeteers using a traditional style of puppetry known as ‘bunraku’. Other puppet characters will also feature, including a little wicker dog (called Basket!) and a monstrous lady woven from thorns.
The creative team are currently raising funds, to further develop the production, through Crowdfunding. Having already reached 30% of their total, they are optimistic of reaching their goal by the 2nd April deadline.
There are a number of incentives available to funders, notably, all UK residents who donate over £5 will be entered into a general raffle for £160 worth of vouchers, donated by Theatre Tokens and the Society of London Theatre, Waterstones,Cafe Rouge and Boots.
You can see all the incentives and become a crowdfunder at http://bit.ly/wickerhusband.
Here at Theatre Weekly we get really excited about new and innovative theatre, if you do too – consider becoming a funder to this worthwhile project.
