2012
Following a conversation with a pupil, Sandy Callaghan- Hooks a music teacher and published songwriter based in SW London set on a journey to bring this well worn story back into the frame. ‘ I love Christmas and all things Christmasy so in a way, the project called out to me…’
She teamed up with Music director Katharine Woolley and director Emma Faulkner (Orange Tree) to birth the first draft of the story in a show called ‘Christmas The Musical’ starring Kayi Ushe and Katy Daghorn. It played to sell-out audiences at the Battersea Mess and Music Hall in the lead up to Christmas 2012.
2014
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In 2014 a new development of CTM with director Israel Oyelumade played at the impressive Supernova, Victoria Embankment WC1 in association with Planit Events. The 8 man cast of Christmas the Musical presented an hour long preview of the newly developed book by Frank Madone. Herod was played by Matthew Rutherford. Still missing the wisemen, it was easy to see where we had to go next…
2016
And so, with the addition of 4 new songs, 4 new characters and a brand new name, a further draft was prepared…
Martin Callaghan AKA King of the Castle
dominated the stage in the first outing of Anno Domini, performed as a showcase in the Actors Church in Covent Garden, WC1. The musical also played at the Omnibus Clapham in December 2016.
Israel shared: “I am thrilled with how the script and music have been developing over the years’. Oyelumade continues “The long-term objective is to see ANNO DOMINI played to audiences throughout the UK, as well as further afield. It’s an inspired production!”
Composer & Director
Sandy Callaghan-Hooks
works as a music teacher and songwriter. She has written and recorded three albums and had songs signed and published by ICC Records.
She is a member of the advanced Book Music and Lyrics writing class (c/o Mercury Music), and acted as producer for Christmas The Musical in 2012 and 2014 at The Supernova, Victoria Embankment, WC1 and Anno Domini at The Actors Church Covent Garden.
A RADA graduate, Israel Oyelumade, who has appeared in both stage productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Hollywood movies, is bringing his expertise to relive the drama using dialogue and song.
He explains - “It’s fantastic to bring such an age old story to life at this time of the year. ANNO DOMINI is a collection of powerful songs and this, along with a quality cast of professional actors, makes me convinced that people of all ages will love it.”
Show Production Team 2016
Producer:
Sandy Callaghan-Hooks in association with Iris Theatre
Book:
by Joel Hooks/ Frank Madone
Extra Script and Lyrics: Tambo Sylavwe and Tamsin Collison
Musical Director: Katharine Woolley (Jersey Boys, Matilda)
Designer:
Suzanne Richeux
Stage Manager: Sam Miller
Sound:
Keegan Curran
Film and Photography:
Joel Hooks, Micah Hooks
Admin:
Marcia Graham
Cast: Martin Callaghan, Berwyn Pearce, Fia Houston-Hamilton, Darren Street, Simeon Oakes, Israel Oyelumade, Andreanne Athanasiou, Tomos Eames, Kris Marc-Joseph, Sam Peterson, Sophia Kiely, Peri Olufunwa, Bryn Hodgen
WHERE NOW?
WHERE NOW?
Onwards and upwards!If this project grabs your heart, please get in touch
As ever, financial constraints mean that further major shows are limited without huge backing and support. We are however confident that it will happen one day…
In the meantime, please spread the word!
INVITE US!
If you’d like to invite a skeleton cast to visit your school or church for an exciting ANNO DOMINI song presentation, let us know .
We’d be delighted if your school/ musical theatre group wanted to use this show for your own productions. The score is easily adapted to suit large school casts particularly. We’d be happy to discuss your idea.
LIVE CAST RECORDING AVAILABLE TO BUY
19 original songs performed by a top professional cast
A limited supply of CDs are now available. Hurry while stocks last!
£15 + postage and packaging.