York Theatre Royal, in association with Everyman Theatre Cheltenham and Buxton Opera House, has announced the world premiere of Debbie Isitt’s Military Wives – The Musical. This brand-new musical, inspired by the true story of the Military Wives choir and based on the film Military Wives, will also be directed by Isitt.
The production opens at York Theatre Royal on 16 September, with previews from 10 September, and runs until 27 September.
Writer and Director Debbie Isitt said, “This inspirational new musical about a group of women who triumph against all odds has been a joy to create. It is so exciting to be working with York Theatre Royal on such a funny and exhilarating new musical and I can’t wait to share it with audiences.”
Paul Crewes, CEO of York Theatre Royal, added, “It is so great to be working with Debbie Isitt, to produce the world premiere of this brand-new musical here at York Theatre Royal. It is a very moving yet uplifting story inspired by the film and the true story of the Military Wives choirs. It is also packed full of songs that our audiences will know and love. Don’t miss this joyous production in York this autumn.”
Priority booking for York Theatre Royal Members opens today from 1pm, with general on sale on 1 March at 1pm.
This autumn, join us for the world premiere of a brand-new British musical, based on the 2019 hit movie Military Wives and inspired by a true story.
A joyous celebration of female friendship, courage, and ‘unsung’ heroes, Military Wives – The Musical tells the inspirational story of the Military Wives choir as they change the world one song at a time. Written and directed by BAFTA award winner Debbie Isitt (Nativity!), this new production is a funny, feel-good story of female empowerment and the perfect harmony of laughter, emotion, and fun.
With their husbands and partners away at war, the women are isolated, bored, and desperate to find a focus to take their minds off feelings of impending doom. Enter Olive, who arrives on the ‘patch’ to help them form a choir and learn to sing. But Olive gets a lot more than she bargains for with this diverse group of women, who through the power of song find themselves facing their fears and making unexpected friendships along the way.
Featuring a fantastic mix of pop, rock, and power ballads to make you laugh, cry, and sing your hearts out!
Debbie Isitt is a BAFTA and EMMY award-winning writer and director of film, television, and theatre. She originally trained as an actor and spent her youth touring the world with her internationally renowned theatre company, Snarling Beasties. After a successful run in London’s West End, her play The Woman Who Cooked Her Husband is still performed across the globe. In recent years, Debbie has created a hugely successful UK film franchise by writing and directing a series of blockbuster Christmas films; Nativity! starring Martin Freeman, Nativity 2 starring David Tennant, Nativity 3 starring Martin Clunes and Catherine Tate, and Nativity Rocks! starring Celia Imrie and Craig Revel Horwood, which have all been major box office hits. She also adapted and directed the hit stage show Nativity! The Musical, which is heading into its 5th sensational season this Christmas. Last year, Debbie wrote and directed a major new stage musical I Should Be So Lucky featuring Kylie Minogue, based on the songs of hit factory composers Stock, Aitken and Waterman, which embarked on an extensive UK tour. Her other films include Confetti (Fox Searchlight) and Christmas on Mistletoe Farm (Netflix).
