WHO WE ARE
We are Noisemaker; the award-winning musical theatre writing partnership of Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie.
Noisemaker strive to create and develop original, innovative work that challenges and celebrates the form of musical theatre, connecting new audiences to new stories and pushes expectations of what a musical can be.
Have a look around to see and hear what we're up to!
HI, MY NAME IS BEN
HI, MY NAME IS BEN is the true story of an ordinary man and his extraordinary life. From his tiny room in New York City, Bernhardt Wichmann III spoke to and changed the lives of those around him without saying a word. Using just his notepad and pen, Ben turned a neighborhood of strangers into a community of friends, before finally encountering a miracle of his own.
HI MY NAME IS BEN is a life-affirming true story that explores the meaning of community, the possibility of second chances, and the miraculous effects of stopping to listen.
In January 2017, Noisemaker became the first Scottish writing team to be selected for the prestigious Johnny Mercer Writers Colony at Goodspeed Musicals, Connecticut. Over the two week residency, we constructed a first draft of HI MY NAME IS BEN.
Following this, Noisemaker partnered with Goodspeed Musicals and Dundee Rep to develop the show. This international collaboration led to a one-off concert performance in Dundee, Scotland, in 2018. Played any the renowned string orchestra, Scottish Ensemble, this was the first public performance of HI, MY NAME IS BEN. An extract from that concert can be seen on this page.
In 2019, the world premiere of HI, MY NAME IS BEN was presented at Goodspeed Musicals. This production marked the first transatlantic collaboration to be presented at the historic Norma Terris Theater and featured an award-winning cast including Adam Kaplan (Newsies, A Bronx Tale) and Barbara Walsh (Company, Nine, Falsettos).
HI, MY NAME IS BEN was then selected to be presented at NAMT’s 31st Annual Festival of New Musicals in 2019. The show was seen alongside seven other new, exceptional works at New World Stages in New York City. This also marked the first time Scottish writers had ever been invited to this prestigious Festival; a huge privilege for the both of us.
Now, HI MY NAME IS BEN is in development for its next production with Broadway producer, Robert Ahrens, and award-winning film and theatre company LD Entertainment, led by Mickey Liddell, at the helm.
If you would like to hear some of HI, MY NAME IS BEN then be sure to click here for some cast recordings.
For information on the show, have a look at some of the articles and links below:
Creative Scotland Article https://www.creativescotland.com/explore/read/stories/theatre/2019/hi-my-name-is-ben
Goodspeed Website
www.goodspeed.org/shows/hi-my-name-is-ben
Broadway World Cast Announcement
www.broadwayworld.com/article/Joel-Rooks-Barbara-Walsh-Adam-Kaplan-Among-Stars-of-Goodspeeds-HI-MY-NAME-IS-BEN-20190411
Middletown Press
https://www.middletownpress.com/entertainment/article/Extraordinary-true-story-inspires-musical-Hi-13845914.php
Playbill NAMT Announcement
http://www.playbill.com/article/michael-r-jacksons-musical-adaptation-of-horror-film-teeth-among-national-alliance-musical-theatre-festival-lineup
Dundee Rep “Meet The Writers” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_mSQjOTle8
SCOTS
SCOTS Cast Recording has been released! You can listen to the full album by clicking right HERE!
The musical history lesson no-one asked for but everyone needs! SCOTS is the story of Scotland. Its past. Its present. Its future. Its people and places. Its triumphs and failures. All told by a figure who has seen it all… Someone who witnessed the Picts and the Celts unite; who survived the battles of Sterling and of Bannockburn; who heard the declaration of Arbroath; who witnessed Scottish Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, the charge for women’s rights, the battle for gay rights, the call for Independence - basically someone who’s seen some amount of s**t… Scotland’s greatest invention - The Toilet!
SCOTS is an irreverent, hilarious and poignant journey through the history of Scotland in sixty riotous minutes. A multi-skilled ensemble retell some of our nations most iconic (and some forgotten) stories all to answer the fundamental question; What Makes A Country?
Noisemaker were delighted to partner for the first time with the legendary A Play, a Pie and a Pint to premiere this anarchic and uplifting take on the history of Scotland and its people. For more information on A Play, A Pie and A Pint at the Oran Mor click here.
SCOTS is a one act musical running at 50 minutes and is written for a cast size of betwen 6-10. For any questions or enquiries regarding licensing please contact us at noisemakerproductions@gmail.com.
SCOTS has just completed its run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023 where It was chosen as Playbill’s Pick of the Fringe - https://playbill.com/article/playbill-pick-scots-at-the-edinburgh-festival-fringe
——————————————
SCOTS Press
“Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie’s story, music and lyrics grasp comedy by the neck and squeeze out every last gasp of hilarity, but there’s something far more to this musical than… a few historical figures. There’s something genuinely beautiful and progressive about this.”
Cor Blimey ★★★★★
https://corrblimey.uk/2023/08/24/scots-a-play-a-pie-and-a-pint/
“This is joyful, at times thought-provoking, often educational but always entertaining”
Musical Theatre Review ★★★★★
https://musicaltheatrereview.com/scots-edinburgh-festival-fringe
“The greatest strength here is that it asks you about what we should be and not what we ought to become. It is about the here and now.”
British Theatre Guide ★★★★★
https://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/scots-ghillie-dhu-22294
“This is one of the top shows you'll be talking about during the Fringe”
The Nerd Party ★★★★★
https://www.thenerdparty.com/filibuster/scots-the-nerd-party-at-edinburgh-fringe-2023
“The moments where heartbreak is on display are dealt with swiftly in true Scottish fashion, but those moments remain with you: make sure you have a hankie at hand just in case”
Edinburgh Guide ★★★★
https://edinburghguide.com/festival/2023/scots-2023-ghillie-dhu-review-21285
“Scots is a hugely fun, and hugely silly hour, with some incredibly captivating musical numbers”
Lost In Theatreland ★★★★★
https://lostintheatreland.co.uk/scots-review-edinburgh-fringe/
“the audience were on their feet cheering the cast, the show, and its uplifting and encouraging message – Youse can build the country you want Scotland to be: get on wi’ it!!”
Scots Gay ★★★★
https://scotsgayarts.com/2023/08/16/scots-ghillie-dhu-auditorium-venue-410-review
“An unflinching and unmissable musical journey… a fearless, patriotic and progressive delight”
The Recs ★★★★★
“…a daft production that’ll make your sides sore with laughter!”
Mix Up ★★★★★
https://www.mixuptheatre.com/post/fringe-review-scots
“Noisemaker’s Play/Pie/Pint debut shakes the walls of Òran Mór’s underground theatre… SCOTS is an hour packed with nonstop laughs and catchy numbers”
Strathclyde Telegraph ★★★★
https://strathclydetelegraph.com/2022/07/03/a-play-a-pie-and-a-pint-the-words-scots-reviews/
“It's truly incredible what SCOTS has managed to pack into 60 minutes. It's fun, educational and the music is excellent.”
Broadway World ★★★★★
https://www.broadwayworld.com/scotland/article/BWW-Review-SCOTS-Oran-Mor-20220629
“a memorably left-field musical comedy about Scotland and its history, Scots, powerfully written by Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie of Noisemaker”
The Scotsman ★★★★
https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/theatre-and-stage/theatre-reviews-scots-catch-me-if-you-can-3753709
CEILIDH
Take your partner by the hand, the dance is about to begin…
A ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee” for all the non-Scots :) is a traditional Scottish gathering where folk come together to share in music and dancing. Ceilidh dances have been handed down for generations and are a shared cultural language throughout Scotland, and many other parts of the world.
In 2018, Noisemaker were invited on to the Grove-Whitman Commissioning Program in NYC. This is run by Tony-award winning Broadway producers Beth Williams (WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, ANGELS IN AMERICA) and Barbara Whitman (A STRANGE LOOP, FUN HOME). The program allowed us to create, pitch and develop an idea for a new piece. And ours was CEILIDH!
CEILIDH invites audiences to join the party and spin the night away wrapped in one of Scotland’s oldest traditions. Led by a caller and traditional folk band, CEILIDH leads us through the steps and stories of Scotland; accompanied with a dram or two along the way! As the evening unfolds, the story of one family, linked by love and duty to tradition, plays out through the dances. The impact of a single moment - the decision to get up and join the dance - is celebrated through their lives, and leads to reveal the reason we’re gathered together tonight.
Following the commissioning program, we were delighted when Barbara and Beth decided to come on board as Lead Producers to take the show to production. Shortly after we brought on board Tony-nominated Director, Sam Pinkleton (HERE WE ARE; NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET; YOU WILL GET SICK) and Musical Supervisor, Kris Kukul (BEETLEJUICE; HEAD OVER HEELS)
Most recently, CEILIDH saw its first public workshop performances take place in Glasgow, Scotland, at the renowned Cottiers. The show will make its US premiere in 2025.
To hear some demos from the show check out our music page here.
LEGEND TRIPPERS
What do a cheerleader, a science geek, a sports jock and a hardcore emo all have in common? They’re all members of the Legend Trippers; a group of unlikely high school heroes who band together to conquer their town's most haunted spots and sites. But when a new girl comes to town, the Trippers find themselves in a legend of their own…
Noisemaker were thrilled to be commissioned by the National Youth Music Theatre to create a brand new musical for their 2019 Season.
LEGEND TRIPPERS is an action-packed adventure for young people that explores not only the legends we’re passed on, but the ones we’re making today.
The show premiered this August at The Other Palace in London, featuring a cast of 29 exceptional young people from all across the UK.
We’re delighted to announce that a live cast recording from The Other Palace production will be available very soon! For now, click here for a preview of the “Legend Trippers Theme”.
LEGEND TRIPPERS is a two act musical running at 2 hours 10 minutes. It is written for a cast of between 15 and 30, depending on the scale of production. For any questions or enquiries regarding licensing please contact us at: noisemakerproductions@gmail.com
Below are some audience reactions from the run at The Other Palace.
@BenFrostMusic “What a gorgeous show. Starts off silly and fun, then closes with a real message. Genuinely moved. Wonderful storytelling” https://twitter.com/BenFrostMusic/status/1162815012597043200
@joemcneice “Legend Trippers absolutely blew my mind tonight… the future of the British Musical really never has looked brighter.” https://twitter.com/joemcneice/status/1162835276789616649
@EamonnODwyer “It was SENSATIONAL. Like the Goonies with songs, but also ALL the feels in the second half, and a hugely relevant comment on the state of the nation.”
https://twitter.com/EamonnODwyer/status/1162812990103740417
@ramin_sabi “Better than most West End musicals I’ve seen recently in every way!” https://twitter.com/ramin_sabi/status/1162494158109577222
@tomramsay_ “Go see this utterly uplifting new musical! A hugely pertinent story about division and fear of “outsiders”, and how failing to listen & learn from the past means a lesser future” https://twitter.com/tomramsay_/status/1161970981780500480
@NickChave “Another fantastic @NYMTuk production of a brand new musical! Fab concept so wonderfully written and constructed by @wearenoisemaker”
https://twitter.com/NickChave/status/1163005541511307264
@RevWhoGuest “If I scanned every page of the dictionary I couldn't find enough words to praise @wearenoisemaker's outstanding new musical #LegendTrippers.”
https://twitter.com/RevWhoGuest/status/1162115517655801856
@thepianomum “Wow. #LegendTrippers was absolutely incredible. So much talent in the #NYMT. The story was so much fun, so poignant, so relevant to our times.” https://twitter.com/thepianomum/status/1162832096471257088
@CoombeBoysDrama “what a brilliant show! Superb young ensemble LEGEND TRIPPERS made me laugh and cry! Wasn’t quite prepared to avoid flying monster munch though” https://twitter.com/CoombeBoysDrama/status/1162770151659442177
Reviews Hub ★★★★★
“theatreland has been overwhelmed in the last couple of years with plays about immigration and intolerance and consequent political ramifications of every angle concerning them, this entertaining new musical tackles the subject in an enthralling and original way almost without you realising.” http://bit.ly/30aybZT
For other information on LEGEND TRIPPERS and NYMT, check out their website:
https://nymt.org.uk/current-shows/legend-trippers/
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Our original take on the classic with all your favourite characters, from Tiny Tim to the Ghost of Christmas Past. A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a wonderfully witty and heart-warming re-telling of Dickens’ tale of redemption and packed full of songs, music, magic and, of course, ghosts!
This adaption was commissioned originally by Dundee Rep Theatre and premiered in 2021. After a critically acclaimed and sell-out run, the show was filmed and streamed across Scotland for the holidays. Especially during a time where being together was so challenging, this was a special event for us as writers and something we’re deeply proud to have been part of.
Following it’s sell-out run in 2021, Dundee Rep is once again bringing our musical version of the ultimate festive story back for Christmas 2023. For information about the production, and to get your tickets, check out the Rep’s website - https://dundeerep.co.uk/whats-on/a-christmas-carol-2023
And you can watch a trailer for this seasons production right on this page!
A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a two act musical running at 105 minutes plus an interval. It is written for a cast size of betwen 10-14. For any questions or enquiries regarding licensing please contact us at noisemakerproductions@gmail.com.
————————————————————————————————
A Christmas Carol Press
“A startlingly inventive take on a classic story, A Christmas Carol is flawless. From the first joke to the last chord it rings true with passion, warmth, and boundless talent”
The Wee Review ★★★★★
https://theweereview.com/review/a-christmas-carol-6
“Packs a tremendous emotional punch”
The Scotsman ★★★★★
“A Christmas Carol is an absolute festive delight with an exceptional cast and songs you'll be humming all the way home.”
Broadway World ★★★★★
https://www.broadwayworld.com/scotland/article/BWW-Review-A-CHRISTMAS-CAROL-Dundee-Rep-20211213
"A reminder of the kind of magic that can only be conjured in the theatre”
The Stage ★★★★
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/a-christmas-carol-dundee-rep
“wonderfully inventive and highly original… energising audience participation and exceptional live music and song… one of the most heart-warming productions of the festive season.”
The National ★★★★
THE SNOW GOOSE
In 2022, Noisemaker were approached by Tony Award-winning theatre Goodspeed Musicals to adapt Paul Gallico's iconic novella The Snow Goose for their stage.
Gallico's book tells the story of Philip Rhayader, an isolated figure living in an abandoned lighthouse along the marshlands of Essex, England in the 1930s. Through the unexpected arrival of a wounded snow goose, Philip meets Frith; a local girl from a neighbouring village. As the pair nurse the wounded bird back to health, an unlikely friendship is formed. One that will change the course, not just of their own lives, but that will save the lives of countless others.
The commission was part of Goodspeed's inaugural GoodWorks Program which has allowed us to create and develop a new stage musical based on Gallico's deeply moving fable.
We began work on our first draft through the Johnny Mercer Writers Grove in 2023. From here, we were lucky enough to collaborate with the wonderful students at The Hartt School to share our first concert reading of THE SNOW GOOSE as part of Goodspeed's Festival of New Musicals.
Now, we are delighted to have partnered with director Marshall Pailet who will be leading the show to its premiere production at Goodspeed in 2026. We hope to see yous there!
——————————————
For more information about the show and Goodspeed's GoodWorks Program check out the articles below!
Playbill Announcement - https://playbill.com/article/goodspeed-musicals-introduces-new-goodworks-commissioning-program
Broadway World Article - https://www.broadwayworld.com/connecticut/article/Goodspeed-Musicals-Launches-GoodWorks-a-New-Musicals-Commissioning-Program-20221220
Festival Of New Musicals - https://findingconnecticut.com/goodspeed-puts-the-spotlight-on-new-works-at-the-18th-annual-festival-of-new-musicals/
OOR WULLIE
Following the success of THE SNOW QUEEN, Noisemaker were delighted to return to Dundee Rep Theatre, this time in partnership with Selladoor Worldwide and DC Thomson Media, to bring one of Scotland’s most beloved characters to life on stage; OOR WULLIE!
First appearing in a Sunday Post strip in 1936, Wullie has become a beacon of Scottish values and culture, but this is his first outing in a musical! Join Wullie, Boab, Soapy Soutar, Wee Eck, PC Murdoch, and some new characters, in a brand new musical adventure that celebrates why after 80 years he still is Oor Wullie, Your Wullie, A’Body’s Wullie!
We're delighted to announce that OOR WULLIE will be returning to Dundee Rep this holiday season in a brand new production with new characters, songs and adventures! Get your tickets here!
OOR WULLIE is a two act musical running at 2 hours and is written for a cast of 10. For any questions or enquiries regarding licensing please contact us at noisemakerproductions@gmail.com.
Check out the show trailer!
And to hear us talk a little more about the Dundee Rep production of OOR WULLIE click here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOR WULLIE PRESS
“Critics hail musical!”
The Sunday Post
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/five-star-wullie-critics-hail-musical/
“It’s often said that a show like this is great for all the family but I can't stress enough how true that is in this case. The story is fresh, funny and works well as a stand alone but is bursting with nostalgia for fans of Oor Wullie and will delight audiences of all ages.”
Broadway World ★★★★★
https://www.broadwayworld.com/scotland/article/BWW-Review-OOR-WULLIE-Theatre-Royal-Glasgow-20200121
“marks the arrival of a new Scottish musical that will surely warm the hearts of thousands in Dundee this Christmas, and on tour around the country.”
The Scotsman ★★★★
https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/theatre/theatre-review-oor-wullie-dundee-rep-1-5053650
“the nous and feel of a blockbuster seasonal animated film, propelled by Noisemaker’s catchy and contemporary songs… hit status north of the border is all but assured. If wider audiences can be convinced, the template for success on the level of past Rep hit Sunshine On Leith is there.”
The Stage ★★★★
“it’s a braw musical - a witty show addressing cultural anxieties about belonging, driven by a rock, gospel and bhangra score”
The Guardian ★★★★
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2019/nov/28/oor-wullie-review-dundee-rep
“a humorous take on the character that’s respectful and yet aware how this Peter Pan-like character relates to the real Scotland after 80 years in print… there's plenty of fun to be had here with an exuberant cast and production that's full of energy and joy.”
Broadway Baby ★★★★
https://broadwaybaby.com/shows/oor-wullie/748544
“Gilmour’s patter-rich dialogue is shot through with a fruitily baroque swagger that creates a demotic all its own… the play’s family friendly treatise on friendship, belonging and strength through unity is as good a festive message as any in a show that brings knowingness and depth to a classic cartoon hero.”
The Herald ★★★★
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18073750.review-oor-wullie-dundee-rep-four-stars/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are some other links to articles, and our partners, for OOR WULLIE:
Selladoor Worldwide
https://www.selladoor.com/shows/whats-on/oor-wullie/about
DC Thomson
www.dctmedia.co.uk
Scott & Claire Interview with The Herald
https://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/18025675.theatre-jings-crivvens-help-ma-boab---oor-wullie-hits-stage/
The Archie Foundation “Oor Wullie BIG Bucket Trail”
https://archie.org/archie-foundation-tayside/oor-wullies-big-bucket-trail/
Courier Feature Article
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/entertainment/1022228/feature-crivvens-oor-wullie-on-stage-in-new-dundee-rep-musical-from-tonight/
ATLANTIC: A SCOTTISH STORY (PODCAST SERIES)
UPDATE: We thrilled to share that ATLANTIC: A SCOTTISH STORY won the Great British Podcast Award 2022 for Best Fiction Podcast.
Original Music from the series is now available for streaming on Spotify here.
————
In 2021 we were thrilled to partner with Scotland’s leading podcast network, The Big Light, to adapt our stage show ATLANTIC: A Scottish Story into a new 8-part podcast series.
ATLANTIC is inspired by the true stories of one of Scotland’s most remote and forgotten islands; St Kilda. It follows the dramatic arc of an island and community out of the edge of the world, and is our first podcast musical!
Cast include Kirsty Findlay (Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour), David Hayman (Boy in the Striped Pyjamas/The Nest), Blythe Duff (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child/Taggart), Danielle Fiamanya (The Colour Purple/& Juliet), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones/Prometheus), Richard Rankin (Outlander), and Gaelic/Scots singer Ainsley Hamill (www.ainsleyhamill.com).
Each episode runs between 30-40 minutes featuring original songs, traditional Gaelic music and real life recordings from St Kilda itself; captured by award-winning sound recordist Chris Watson (www.chriswatson.net)
For more information on the cast, band and creative team head over to The Big Light.
ATLANTIC: A Scottish Story is available wherever you get your podcasts. Just click below to subscribe!
THE SNOW QUEEN
When Gerda’s best friend Kai goes missing in the snow, she must face her fears and embark on an epic quest to find him. With the help of an unlikely band of companions - a knight, a crow and a bandit - Gerda travels North to confront the Snow Queen and rescue her friend. But there are secrets in the snow and rumours aren’t always the truth…
THE SNOW QUEEN was a co-comission by Dundee Rep and the Citizens Theatre for Noisemaker to create a revamped and reimagined telling of Hans Cristian Andersons' classic winter fable. With an epic original score, spellbinding storytelling, and a pinch of Christmas magic, our new version of THE SNOW QUEEN premiered at Dundee Rep during Christmas 2018 and will go on to have a further production with the Citizens in Glasgow.
THE SNOW QUEEN is a two act musical running at 110 minutes. It is written for a cast of between 9 and 12, depending on the scale of production. For any questions or enquiries regarding licensing please contact us at: noisemakerproductions@gmail.com
And if you like a hear to some demo tracks from THE SNOW QUEEN just click here!
Also, to see us chat a little about the Dundee Rep production of THE SNOW QUEEN just follow the link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXhSbNxn_YU
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE SNOW QUEEN PRESS
“a new twin star emerge in the Scottish Christmas show heavens, as writer-composers Scott Gilmour and Claire Mackenzie, launch their pitch-perfect new version of The Snow Queen, on stage at Dundee Rep… beautiful, generous and richly involving Christmas show, for children and adults alike.”
The Scotsman ★★★★
“Gilmour and McKenzie’s songs that drive the show, a mash-up of Celtic-tinged indie-pop show-tunes and rich chorales… a musical winter warmer designed to melt hearts and minds.”
The Herald ★★★★
https://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/17283865.review-the-snow-queen-dundee-rep-four-stars/
“Genuinely action-packed and exciting… a Christmas tale for our times”
The Stage ★★★★
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2018/snow-queen-review-dundee-rep-theatre-christmas-tale-times/
“Witty retelling of a winter quest with imagery that will chill you… stirring emotions as well as the senses.”
The Times ★★★★
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/theatre-review-the-snow-queen-dundee-rep-skgtgrpc2
“everything you could possibly want at this time of year… fantastic songs, an enthralling plot, The Snow Queen grips you in the palm of her icy palm and refuses to let go… if you see one Christmas show, make it this one.”
The Courier
“Weaves together traditional and modern threads… a fresh telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale”
Across The Arts ★★★★
http://www.acrossthearts.co.uk/news/artsblog/theatre-review-the-snow-queen--dundee-rep-/
Interview with Neil Cooper for The Herald
HABITAT
“Exploration is wired into our brains… Mars is there, waiting to be reached”
Buzz Aldrin, Apollo 11
“It might be helpful to realise, that very probably the parents of the first native born Martians are alive today”
Harrison ‘Jack’ Schmidt, Apollo 17
“I see no God up here…”
Yuri Gagarin, Vostock 1
————————————————————
Inspired by the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation programme (aka HI-SEAS), Noisemaker’s newest story follows a group of volunteers on a mission to test the most fragile and important piece of NASA-equipment on our quest to reach Mars; humans.
We are thrilled to be partnering with Brooklyn-based director Hunter Bird (www.hunter-bird.com) to begin development on this new piece.
More news to come soon but, for now, here is some information on HI-SEAS and their experiment:
HI-SEAS
https://hi-seas.org
Atlantic Article
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/06/mars-simulation-hi-seas-nasa-hawaii/553532/
Space.com Article
https://www.space.com/39732-hiseas-vi-mars-simulation-mission-vi-begins.html
THE LONGEST SUMMER
Summer holidays. As a kid they could stretch on forever. Playing outside, exploring, ice lollies, sandy beaches, sun cream…
But then came the longest summer. One that felt like it may never end.
In 2020, during the height of the coronavirus lockdown in the UK, BBC Scotland joined with the National Theatre of Scotland to produce a series of short films called Scenes For Survival. This series took a selection of Scottish writers and tasked them with creating pieces that reflected the unique and challenging circumstances of that moment.
The Longest Summer was our contribution to the series and tells the story of a man looking back to a childhood summer he thought would never end. Starring Richard Rankin (Outlander) the short was filmed socially distanced during lockdown between Glasgow and Portobello. Directed by Jemima Levick and shot by Tommy Ga-Ken Wan.
After it’s release, the song became available for purchase on iTunes and raised thousands for localised coronavirus charities throughout Scotland. To listen to the song click on the Spotify link here or you can watch the full movie below.
Scenes for Survival is a National Theatre of Scotland project in association with BBC Scotland, Screen Scotland, BBC Arts’ Culture in Quarantine project and Scotland’s leading theatre venues and companies, with support from Hopscotch Films.
LITTLE RED AND THE WOLF
LITTLE RED AND THE WOLF was originally commissioned by Dundee Rep Theatre as a new family musical for their Spring 2016 Season. Based on the classic children's fable, LITTLE RED AND THE WOLF is our version of a story we all know and love.
Following it's run in Dundee, LITTLE RED went on to receive nominations for Best Production for Children and Young People at the Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2016 and (in the same category) at the UK Theatre Awards 2016.
The show went on to a successful run in upstate New York with Infinity Theatre Productions in Spring 2017.
LITTLE RED AND THE WOLF is a one act musical running at 90 minutes. It is written for a cast of between 6 and 9, depending on the scale of production. For any questions or enquiries regarding licensing please contact us at: noisemakerproductions@gmail.com
And if you fancy a listen to LITTLE RED AND THE WOLF be sure to click here to hear the cast recording!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LITTLE RED AND THE WOLF PRESS
“makes you want to howl with delight”
The Sunday Herald ★★★★
http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/stage/
14401338.Review__Little_Red_and_the_Wolf__Dundee_Rep/
“gripping throughout, funny, forceful, and thought-provoking.”
The Scotsman ★★★★
“A feminist fairytale we’d all like to believe”
The Guardian ★★★★
http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/apr/01/
little-red-and-the-wolf-review-dundee-rep
“an experience akin to viewing a modern kids' animation film. Like the Toy Story or Kung Fu Panda movies, it is carefully balanced, not only to entertain children, but also to amuse grown-ups.”
The Herald ★★★★
“a positively contemporary and wonderfully life-affirming take on the story of Little Red Riding Hood.”
Broadway Baby ★★★★
http://www.broadwaybaby.com/shows/little-red-and-the-wolf/711089
“friendship and acceptance with an appealing sincerity that stays on the right side of sentimentality.”
The Times ★★★★
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/firstnightreviews/article4725593.ece
“a truly contemporary story, full of not just heart and soul but guts and brains and moral fibre too. And even though it’s clearly targeted at children, even adults may find themselves having the most fun they’ve had in a theatre for a very long time.”
The Reviews Hub ★★★★★
http://www.thereviewshub.com/little-red-and-the-wolf-dundee-rep-dundee/
MY LEFT/RIGHT FOOT
Noisemaker were delighted to partner with the National Theatre of Scotland, Birds of Paradise and Richard Thomas (JERRY SPRINGER: The Opera) in 2018 to create the hilarious, irreverent and heartfelt new musical; MY LEFT/RIGHT FOOT.
In a production celebrating diversity, equality, and our changing attitudes to disability, MY LEFT/RIGHT FOOT premiered at this years Edinburgh Fringe Festival where it received a sell-out run and was awarded a Scotsman Fringe First and a Herald Angel.
If you’d like to hear the cast recording from the Edinburgh Fringe production simply click here!
For more information on the show, including where it’s heading next, please check out the links below - you won’t want to miss it!
https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/production/my-right-foot/
https://www.boptheatre.co.uk/left-right-foot-musical/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MY LEFT/RIGHT FOOT PRESS
“Without the music, the show would not be what it is. Filthy and shocking, but also downright side-splitting, musical and lyrical masterminds, composer Claire McKenzie and lyricist Scott Gilmour of Noisemaker, create a musical score which complements the show’s satirical nature.”
Sunday Post ★★★★★
“Riotously funny”
Evening Standard ★★★★★
“The songs written by Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie are solid gold. I’m definitely going to need a cast recording”
Broadway World ★★★★★
“the shows songs are clever, heartfelt, funny, often refreshingly filthy and brilliantly performed”
Scotsman - Winner of Fringe First 2018 ★★★★
“Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie’s compositions similarly too good to be pastiche… Utterly fanspastic.”
The Herald - Winner of Herald Angel 2018 ★★★★
“The score is pretty near perfect… expect your face to ache from smiling non-stop”
Musical Theatre Review ★★★★★
“The shows’ main pleasure, however, lies in the clash between the ropiness of the am-dram setting and the clever, inventive songs”
The Times ★★★★
“this is a scathingly funny and massively enjoyable show that uses popular theatre to tell unpopular truths about box ticking and our outmoded attitudes to inclusion”
Independant ★★★★
“The music by Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie sparkles with wit and parody… from a satirical take on “Electricity” from Billy Elliot in “Spasticity” to a powerful ballad “On The Outside” and a take on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s style with “The Show is F**ked… Fight for a ticket, it’s a must-see show!”
British Theatre Guide ★★★★★
http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/my-left-right-f-assembly-roxy-16215
“a perfectly pitched, gloriously irreverent and fantastically funny exploration of the thorny issue of how we treat disabled people in our society”
Fest ★★★★★
https://www.fest-mag.com/edinburgh/musicals-opera/104804-review-my-left-right-foot-musical
“The original numbers provide some of the shows greatest moments, with lyrics that leave the audience unsure as to whether they should laugh or cringe… an unforgettable new musical.”
The Skinny ★★★★
https://www.theskinny.co.uk/festivals/edinburgh-fringe/theatre/my-left-right-foot
ATLANTIC: A SCOTTISH STORY
ATLANTIC: A SCOTTISH STORY was commissioned as part of an international collaboration between The American Musical Theatre Project at Northwestern University and The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. ATLANTIC: A SCOTTISH STORY was developed with students from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Northwestern University in Chicago before it’s premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017.
The show was a critical success with a sell-out run at the festival, and resulted in Noisemaker being awarded a coveted Herald Angel Award. The award recognised, not just the show itself, but our commitment to expanding the Edinburgh Festival as a platform for new musical theatre; both in Scotland and internationally.
Since its initial run ATLANTIC was developed into an award-winning audio series, which you can learn more about on our podcast page for the show. The stage version of ATLANTIC has also continued to grow and most recently had a developmental production at The Irish Repertory Theater in NYC featuring Max Chernin (Parade), Latoya Edwards (White Girl in Danger) and Kirsty Findlay (ATLANTIC Podcast Series).
ATLANTIC: A SCOTTISH STORY is currently a one act musical running at 70 minutes. The Fringe production featured a cast of 16 but the show can play with a core cast of 9, depending on the scale of production. It is currently scored for a live band of piano, guitar, percussion, fiddle and double bass. If you have any questions or enquiries about licensing please contact us on: noisemakerproductions@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC: A SCOTTISH STORY PRESS
"packs quite an emotional punch"
The Herald ★★★★★
(WINNER OF HERALD ANGEL 2017)
"a breath-taking piece of new writing... If you see nothing else this Edinburgh Fringe season get your tickets to ‘Atlantic: A Scottish Story’"
PocketSizeTheatre ★★★★★
http://www.pocketsizetheatre.com/2017/08/
edinburgh-fringe-review-atlantic_14.html#more
"an excellent piece of work, joyous and wholesome with a family/community spirit"
One4Review ★★★★★
http://one4review.co.uk/2017/08/
royal-conservatoire-scotland-atlantic-scottish-story-5-stars/
" A wondrous tale of love, belonging, family and tradition... I had tears at the emotional ending"
British Theatre Guide ★★★★★
http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/
atlantic-a-sco-assembly-rainy-14802
"Beautifully told with a refreshing perspective"
Musical Theatre Review ★★★★
Evening Times Article on the Herald Angel Awards: http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/15470208.Herald_
Angels_in_full_flight/
THE GIRL WHO
THE GIRL WHO is a multi-path musical which places the audience in complete control of the story. Based on the iconic “Choose-Your-Own-Adventure” series, it follows the journey of Anna, a young girl who is searching for her parents. Through games of chance and moments of choice, the audience determine Anna's decisions, her morals, her successes and her failures; not just affecting which path she takes, but how she does so. With 171 possible versions, every show is unique. Entire worlds, scenarios, characters and songs may be unlocked (or missed altogether) depending on the choices made, leaving the audience to question; "what if I'd chosen differently?"
THE GIRL WHO was commissioned by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2014 as a new work for the MA Musical Theatre Programme to present as part of their Edinburgh Fringe 2014 Season. The first production was co-produced by RCS, Noisemaker and Theatre Bench.
Since it's Fringe run, THE GIRL WHO has had several reiterations. In July 2015, it played in upstate New York with Infinity Theatre, which saw the piece rescaled for a bigger ensemble of young people. The show was selected to play as part of "Musical Bites" at the Other Palace, London - a project designed to promote the future of British Musical Theatre. It also became the first international project to be selected for The PiTCH at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in the Finger Lakes, NY. The PiTCH provided a developmental platform for the work and, during this process, was picked up by Merry-Go-Round for production in early 2017.
The show was redeveloped for a smaller cast to tour throughout New York state as part of the Merry-Go-Round's 2017 Season. This production reached over 10,000 young people and their families, with 20% living below the poverty line.
THE GIRL WHO recently was developed with the American Musical Theatre Project in Chicago as part of a unique six-week residency Noisemaker held with Northwestern University. The had a number of public and industry presentations and is now in development for a future production in Chicago. Much more on this soon!
THE GIRL WHO is a one act, interactive musical that currently runs at 60 minutes. It works for a cast of between 5 and 20, depending on the scale of production. For any questions or enquiries regarding licensing please contact us at: noisemakerproductions@gmail.com
If you fancy a listen to THE GIRL WHO be sure to click here to hear a cast recording!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE GIRL WHO PRESS
“The Girl Who YOU MUST GO SEE” although less subtle than the title is a very truthful statement.”
British Theatre Guide ★★★★
“a fast-paced, romping yarn. Roll the dice, take a chance, and see which show unfolds”
The Herald ★★★★
“It is fascinating that the cast, like the audience, have no idea where the story will go next. A great idea, brilliantly executed: don’t miss it!”
Scotsgay ★★★★
"Presented in the round with cast mingling with the audience, it’s almost like living in a fairy-tale for an hour that, no matter your age, you just can’t help but be captivated by...it leaves you wondering what it would be like if we had collectively made different choices. For that, this is one production to watch again and again.”
Broadway Baby ★★★★
"Just like all the best fairy tales (or circuses, for that matter) this show is a perfect blend of light and dark; a blend of joy and fear”
MusicalTheatreReview.com ★★★★
“A wonderful piece of innovative interactive theatre with delightful storytelling. The production grabs your attention and takes you on a joyous ride of imagination - whatever your age.”
One4Review ★★★★★
“The Girl Who is at various turns insanely infectious fun, and at other times, filled with poignant moments of aching beauty.”
FringeReview (Highly Recommended)
“a bravely sad ending packs a real punch, casting a careless decision we make right at the start in a poignant light. We don't always know what's going to be momentous in life; there is a grown-up conclusion here to the show title’s unfinished sentence.”
FestMag ★★★★
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
In 2015, Noisemaker were commissioned by the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh to create an entirely original score for Theresa Howard's popular adaptation of THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE.
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE is a two act musical running at 130 minutes. It works for a cast of between 9 and 11, depending on the scale of production. For any questions or enquiries regarding licensing please contact us at: noisemakerproductions@gmail.com
And if you fancy a listen to THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE be sure to click here to hear the cast recording!
SONGS FROM THE SEVEN HILLS
SONGS FROM THE SEVEN HILLS is an original musical based on the lives and stories of the people of Sheffield. Commissioned by the Sheffield Crucible, Noisemaker partnered with playwright, John Hollingworth, and the acclaimed Sheffield People's Theatre, to develop this large scale community project as part of the Crucible's 2017/18 Season.
Using a mass cast of local people, SONGS FROM THE SEVEN HILLS was an ambitious and heartfelt project, celebrating this rich, vibrant community and it's stories.
For more information on the project check out some of the links below:
Crucible Website - https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/songs-from-the-seven-hills
Musical Theatre Review - http://musicaltheatrereview.com/sheffield-
theatres-will-stage-locally-inspired-new-musical/
Broadway World First Look - https://www.broadwayworld.com/uk-regional/article/Photo-Flash-First-Look-at-Sheffield-Peoples-Theatre-Production-of-SONGS-FROM-THE-SEVEN-HILLS-20180718
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SONGS FROM THE SEVEN HILLS PRESS
“Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie’s songs are catchy and intelligent”
The Stage ★★★★
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2018/songs-seven-hills-review-crucible-theatre-sheffield/
“Transgender teen Georgie’s solo song about her body being her home, and wanting that home to reflect the person who lives in it, is one of the most moving and accessible ways I’ve seen the experience of being trans articulated in fiction”
Broadway World ★★★★
“Uplifting production… Thought provoking… The sense of community has never been stronger.”
North West End ★★★★★
FOREST BOY
"I'm all alone. I don't know who I am. Please. Help me."
FOREST BOY was created in partnership with the New Musical Development programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Based on the incredible true story of a boy who appeared in Berlin on September 5th, 2011, claiming to have lived in the wild with his father for the past five years of his life. He had no memory of his past, who he was or where he came from; only that his name was Ray and he'd travelled to Berlin following the death of his father in the woods. What followed were nine months of speculation, police inquiry, and a global media frenzy, as the mystery of the "Forest Boy" slowly unravelled.
We began writing Ray's story as it was unfolding in 2012 and, in 2013, FOREST BOY premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe alongside another of our pieces, FREAKSHOW.
As a result of it's Fringe run, FOREST BOY was selected to transfer to the EHE8 Festival held at the Arcola Theatre, London. During this run, the show received the S&S Award for Best New Musical, in association with Mercury Musicals and Musical Theatre Network. The focus of the S&S Award is to further the professional development of a new musical by pairing writers with industry mentors and help them work towards a showcase performance in London. Noisemaker worked with acclaimed director and choreographer Jonathan Butterell, Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Scotland, Laurie Sansom, and West End Musical Director, Mike Dixon, redeveloping FOREST BOY. In 2015 this version was presented at The Other Palace.
Following it's time in London, FOREST BOY was chosen as one of 10 Next Link productions to be shown at the renowned New York Musical Festival in NYC; the first time a UK writing team had been selected to do so. Collaborating with director Robert McQueen, Noisemaker gave FOREST BOY it's US-premiere at the Pearl Theatre Company in August 2016. The show was well received and was awarded the Stage Rights NYMF Publishing Award 2016.
If you'd like to read the true story that inspired us to write FOREST BOY, click on the articles below. Alternatively, check out our FOREST BOY website at http://www.forestboy.co.uk
Original Telegraph Article:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/8774964/German-forest-boys-first-words-Im-all-alone-in-the-world-please-help-me.html
Telegraph "Authorities Appeal" Article:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/8779900/Forest-boy-Berlin-authorities-appeal-to-Britons-for-information.html
Telegraph "Mystery Solved" Article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/9333519/Forest-Boy-finally-identified-and-admits-I-made-it-all-up.html
FOREST BOY is a one act musical that runs at 80 minutes. It works for a cast of between 6 and 10, depending on the scale of production. It is scored for a piano, keyboard, guitar, cello, violin and double bass. For any questions or enquiries regarding licensing please contact us at: noisemakerproductions@gmail.com
And if you fancy a listen to FOREST BOY be sure to click here to hear the cast recording!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOREST BOY PRESS
"With excellent writing and a talent pool this good is easy to see that the future of Scottish and indeed British Musical theatre is in safe hands."
Broadway Baby ★★★★
http://broadwaybaby.com/shows/forest-boy/27404
"a haunting score... and a tantalizing story"
British Theatre Guide ★★★★
http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/forrest-boy-bosco-tent-at-a-9177
"Their goal to create and develop fresh and innovative music theatre has certainly been realised "
The Herald ★★★★
"a simultaneously earthy and soaringly fantastical musical "
Three Weeks ★★★★
FREAKSHOW
FREAKSHOW was the first show developed by Noisemaker for a new works festival in Glasgow called On the Verge. This was a collaboration between the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and new writing venue, The Arches, to allow a platform for aspiring writers and theatre-makers to try something new.
FREAKSHOW was initially a promenade song cycle focussing on some of history's most iconic "Freak" performers. Located in an abandoned, underground rail station, the audience travelled through the space encountered performers such as The Missing Link, The Half-Lady and Thumbelina. FREAKSHOW transferred from The Arches to the Actor's Church in Covent Garden, London and then to The Roundhouse, London. The production garnered some notice and acclaim and we were awarded the Scottish Daily Mail Drama Award 2012.
The award allowed us to remount FREAKSHOW, along side our newest piece at the time, FOREST BOY, and present both as a double bill of new work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013 with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
FREAKSHOW is a one act musical running at 70 minutes. It works for a cast of between 7 and 13, depending on the scale of production. It is scored for a live band of piano, violin, cello and double bass. For any questions or enquiries regarding licensing please contact us at: noisemakerproductions@gmail.com
And if you fancy a listen to FREAKSHOW be sure to click here to hear the cast recording!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FREAKSHOW PRESS
"Noisemaker is living up to its name of specialising in original, bold, innovative musical theatre... a fresh new voice and a fascinating piece of theatre"
The Herald ★★★★★
"an inventive, touching and absorbing musical"
British Theatre Guide ★★★★
http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/
freak-show-bosco-tent-at-a-9194
"Darkly sparkling and innovative"
Broadway Baby ★★★★
http://broadwaybaby.com/shows/freak-show/29166
"Truly intelligent... relentlessly gripping"
ThreeWeeks ★★★★★
"Completely original musical theatre"
One4Review ★★★★★
http://one4review.co.uk/2013/08/freak-show/
