Angel of Death Musical to Premiere in Adelaide
What do you get when you combine the creative talent and amazing imagination of Adelaide’s Matthew Briggs and Josh Heaysman? You get a musical that almost defies description and is a must-see, that’s what. Lesley Reed reports on the World Premiere of The Angel of Death.
The hooded and scythe-wielding herald of death known as the Grim Reaper is a mythical figure known to us all. The dark entity has surely never been depicted quite as Matthew Briggs and Josh Heaysman imagine him though, one with beginnings intertwined with Elizabeth 1 and the Spanish Armada!
In January, Adelaide audiences have the intriguing opportunity to discover the ‘truth’ about the origins of the Grim Reaper, when Briggs & Heaysman Theatre Co stage the World Premiere of The Angel of Death.
Incorporating dark elements from such musicals as Sweeney Todd and Les Misérables, together with Monty Python-esque comedy, The Angel of Death is set in the 16th century. The show includes semi-historical events involving Queen Elizabeth I and the Spanish Armada, overlayed with fiction and 21st century twists. The songs feature an array of musical genres that highlight similarities between the 16th and 21st centuries.
During the time of Queen Elizabeth I and the Spanish Armada the birth of the Grim Reaper (or the Angel of Death) defines the world as we know it now. But how did he become a guardian of lost souls? A mother (Margret) and daughter (Michelle) are thrown into turmoil after the assassination of their husband and father (Death). Death is transformed into the Angel of Death by the afterlife’s divine creatures (God and the Devil). Following his transformation, he seeks his revenge while also embracing his newfound purpose. Meanwhile, a war is imminent with the approach of the Spanish Armada, led by Alonso Perez de Guzman and Guzman’s mother (Maria). Axe-wielding Queen Elizabeth I is waiting for them, along with her underlings.
The Angel of Death’s writer Matthew Briggs is playwright and director of musicals and plays for Briggs & Heaysman Theatre Co. He has been involved in musicals for eleven years, on and off stage. He stage managed Sepia, by Emily Steel, for the 2012 Adelaide Fringe, where the play won the Tour Ready Award. Besides Matthew’s theatre experience, he is currently completing his PhD in mass spectrometry of glycans (i.e. sugars).
Josh Heaysman is composer and business manager for Briggs & Heaysman Theatre Co. His experience with musicals, on and off stage, spans ten years, particularly in the music and sound production areas. He has studied composition and music theory at the Elder Conservatorium of Adelaide and currently arranges for several big bands. Besides theatre, Josh's works in IT for a small business.
I asked Matthew how he and Josh had begun their collaboration.
‘Josh and I met in high school where we were involved in the musical every year,’ he said. ‘We started writing together at university. Our creative process normally consists of mapping out key points in a storyboard format, then writing the music for specific events. Next, we collaborate on lyrics and then I fill the gaps with dialogue to lead into each song.’
Eventually, The Angel of Death will be available for other theatre groups to perform, as will Briggs & Heaysman’s other works. Visit www.bhtheatreco.com
When The Angel of Death hits the stage the spotlight will be on some of Adelaide’s finest performers, together with rising stars in amateur theatre. Principle performers include Theodore Girgolas as The Angel of Death and Kimberly Jones as Queen Elizabeth I.
The Angel of Death is directed by Matthew Briggs, with musical arrangements by Josh Heaysman, choreography by Ashlee Skinner, set and costume design by Matthew Briggs, and sound and lighting design by Stephen Dean.
Will Death’s family be protected from an unknown assassin? Will Alonso Perez de Guzman listen to his mother Maria? Will Queen Elizabeth be prepared for the invasion of the Spanish Armada? Can the Angel of Death restore peace and balance to the World?
The answers to these and other questions are waiting to be discovered, so head along to see The Angel of Death at the Bakehouse Theatre from 26th January, 2016.
Remember, Death is just the beginning.
The Angel of Death
Written by Matthew Briggs, Music by Josh Heaysman
Lyrics by Matthew Briggs and Josh Heaysman
Briggs & Heaysman Theatre Co.
WHERE: Bakehouse Theatre, 255 Angas Street, Adelaide.
WHEN: 26th (preview) January 2016 at 7pm, then 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th January 2016 at 8pm.
BOOKINGS: http://www.bakehousetheatre.com/
TICKETS:
$18 adults and $13 concession for the preview show, and $23 adults and $18 concession for all other performances.
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