The first full production of IS HE MUSICAL? opened in February 2022, supported by Arts Council England, Curve, De Montfort University and the University of Wolverhampton, and produced by MPTheatricals.
The show, starring Teddy Hinde and Barry O'Reilly, premiered in a digital production streamed live from the University of Wolverhampton before transferring to Curve in Leicester for two in person performances as part of the 2022 DMU Pride festival. It was then presented as a semi-staged concert at The Other Palace in London.
In addition to the shows, an immersive digital space ('Didn't We Have Some Wonderful Times?') showcased curated historical & creative responses to both the musical and the rich history that has inspired the show. Historians Sacha Coward and Sheldon Goodman led an informative online talk on the real history behind the musical and shared stories from other similar spaces of the time.
As part of DMUPride, the team behind the production also facilitated a series of workshops at Curve and over Zoom.
The Recs ★★★★
"Is He Musical? is a heartfelt celebration of the 1930s gay scene and, during LGBTQ+ History month, a timely love letter to the queers who boldly paved the way."
"A story of queer joy, and joy indeed is what it gave its audience. Both actors offer up incredible performances. Hinde gives a scene stealing performance as the ever flamboyant Wilfred and is certainly a musical theatre performer to watch out for. O’Reilly’s character Laurence’s growth throughout the musical is also delightful to watch!
The entire musical was exquisitely written, both musically and theatrically, and it was lovely to watch during LGBT+ history month. ...absorbing, charming, amusing"
From Page to Stage ★★★★
"A delightful new musical comedy...
A joyous production with two standout performances, Is He Musical? is a promising and timely new musical which is deserved of a bright future."
The production will make one final stop at the Curve New Work Festival on Friday 11th March before it concludes.