The Land of Might-Have-Been - Buxton / Norwich

[abitoftap]

All I know at the moment!


"As our Friends and Supporters, we wanted you to be the first to hear about this bold new musical co-produced by Buxton International and Norwich Theatre.

Built around the songs of Ivor Novello, it is loosely based on incidents in the early life of feminist and pacifist Vera Brittain and the intriguing lives, loves and motivations of those closest to her.

Vera is determined not to become a traditional young married woman. Her brother, Edward, must hide his secret love for Bobbie. Roland wants to become an esteemed poet, and Bobbie, forced to follow in his father’s footsteps, would rather search for a new way of life that would include Edward.

The war in Europe shatters all their hopes and dreams, and Vera embarks on a life-long campaign for peace and equality."

[kyvai]

Interesting. What’s the connection between Vera Brittain and Ivor Novello?

[TallPaul]

Buxton Opera House - Friday 7 to Friday 21 July 2023 (various dates)
Norwich Theatre Royal - Tuesday 25 to Sunday 30 July 2023

Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre launch a ground-breaking new co-production for 2023, ‘The Land of Might-Have-Been’. This bold new musical is built around the songs of Ivor Novello and is loosely based on incidents in the life of Buxton’s pioneering feminist and pacifist Vera Brittain and the intriguing lives, loves and motivations of those closest to her.

The story follows Vera and her soon-to-be fiancé Roland, and Vera’s brother Edward and their close friend Bobbie over a long hot summer in Buxton in 1914. They all have their own ideas about their glittering futures but are faced with the prejudice and conventions of their time.

Vera is determined not to become a traditional young married woman but wants to attend Oxford University and live an independent life. Her brother, Edward, dreams of becoming a musician and composer but must hide his secret love for Bobbie from his family and society. Roland wants to attend Oxford University and be an acclaimed poet, and Bobbie, forced to follow in his father’s footsteps, would rather search for a new way of life that would include Edward.

The war in Europe shatters all their hopes and dreams when Vera’s friends are killed in the battlefields, and she embarks on a life-long campaign for peace and equality. The musical’s epilogue sees Vera’s daughter, Baroness (Shirley) Williams, reflecting on her mother’s influential life.

[oxfordsimon]

Anything that brings the songs of Ivor Novello to audiences is to be welcomed.

He wrote some glorious melodies and whilst his shows are now old fashioned and unlikely to be revived, his scores are packed with wonderful music that should not be forgotten.

[tmesis]

Count me in for this. Novello’s music is just wonderful. Sumptuous melodies with a wonderful operatic sweep all adroitly harmonised to bring out their maximum impact. All this at one of the loveliest theatres in Britain (Buxton.)

[BurlyBeaR]

It is beautiful and in a beautiful setting, the seats in the stalls were hellishly uncomfortable though 😝

[ilovewemusicals]

Songs include Iain Farrington’s new orchestral arrangement of songs like My Dearest Dear, Waltz of My Heart, My Life Belongs To You and Why Is There Ever Goodbye.

[BurlyBeaR]

Merged

[TallPaul]

With Audrey Brisson as Vera Brittain.