29th April 2025
Lightning Boy, written by Charlie Turner (music and lyrics) and Liv Warden (book), is an exciting new musical that blends Greek mythology with contemporary drama, following a group of teenagers who just so happen to be Greek gods. Development of new writing is at the heart of NYMT’s artistic vision – not just something they support, but something they champion.
NYMT is passionate about giving space to fresh voices and ambitious ideas, and Lightning Boy is exactly that: theatrical, joyful, and unafraid to ask big questions. Directed by Kate Golledge, with musical direction and orchestrations by Lee Freeman and choreography by Aimee Leigh, this premiere production is a celebration of youth, identity, and the stories that shape us.
24th March 2025
A new ‘New Musical’ showcase, Before It Hits, will bring snapshots of six in-development musicals by some of the West End’s best emerging writers to Upstairs At The Gatehouse for two nights only on 9 & 10 May, it has been announced.
Producer of Before It Hits, Jack Blume, said: “With such a flourishing scene of new musical writing in the UK, we are thrilled to present a selection of delicious tasters from a variety of new shows by a diverse pool of writers, and to be lifting the veil from the lengthy development process. Wouldn’t it have been cool to see 15 minutes of Hamilton, before it was Hamilton?”
21st October 2024
LIGHTNING BOY
BY CHARLIE TURNER AND LIV WARDEN
Sixteen-year-old Zeus is trapped in a storm, struggling to survive under the oppressive rule of his tyrannical father and dysfunctional brothers. By day, he works tirelessly at the Sky High Diner atop Mount Olympus with his loyal friends, the Olympians, and his forbidden mortal love, Io, dreaming of a freedom that always seems just out of reach. But when an unexpected betrothal, sudden banishment, and a treacherous political plot shake his world, Zeus must race against time to discover what kind of god – and man – he’s truly destined to be.
Thu 21 – Sat 23 August 2025, Birmingham Hippodrome, Patrick Studio
Overture is an exciting new musical theatre development scheme led by Burnt Lemon Theatre and The REcreate Agency in partnership with The Other Palace, Birmingham Hippodrome, Sheffield Theatres, MAST Mayflower Southampton, The Hope Mill, Warwick Arts Centre and China Plate.
Overture’s aims are to develop the skills and practises of underrepresented Musical Theatre writing teams across the UK, whilst building relationships with venues and other leading UK talent.
MARÍA ROSA CARBAJAL
Originally published: 31st August 2022
To read the full article, click here.
"Are these women more than just victims? They are facing a man who will never come face to face with his actions. It seems that day after day stories about powerful men appear in the news, due to their abuse, mistreatment, and manipulation. "Anomalia" comes to show this universe and more. It reaches the bone of pain."
"An excellent staging of this impressive dramatic text by Liv Warden"
Originally published: 26th October 2019
LIV WARDEN
To read the full article, click here.
"Times are changing. Survivors are speaking out, standing up, admitting things they had long since buried for the sake of themselves, their families, their careers. Many female theatre makers are pleading with men like Mamet and Berkoff – let us have this one. It’s not your time. Not yet anyway."
"Liv Warden is a talent to watch."
DEBBIE GILPIN
Originally published: 19th June 2019
To read the full article, click here.
"You can't help but think that a female voice on the subject would be more appropriate; Liv Warden's Anomaly earlier this year, for example, explored the effects that the uncovering of this kind of predatory behaviour had on the mogul's daughters - a fresh and unexpected perspective told with great focus. By contrast, Bitter Wheat lacks clarity and intent."
ROBERT JACKMAN
Originally published: 10th January 2019
To read the full article, click here.
"... For this play, though, the signs look good. The writer, Liv Warden, has been coached by both Soho Theatre and The National. ...This one is the outside bet."
“Liv Warden’s script is fantastic, fizzling with energy, ideas and freshness. Her focus on her female characters is laser sharp.”
ALEX WOOD
Originally published: 25th June 2020
To read the full article, click here.