the little match girl
2017 tabard theatre, chiswick (director)
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A revival of the show written in 1975 by Jeremy Paul, Leslie Stewart and Keith Strachan
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dog ends
2017 tabard theatre, chiswick (director)
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A new dark comedy for the stage by the celebrated writer Richard Harris. An earlier version of the play was produced on BBC TV in the 1980s but this is the premier of a new and revised stage version.
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showstopper!
2015 apollo theatre, shaftesbury avenue (producer)
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Following ten successful years on the fringe, The Showstoppers finally hit the West End with their own full season This extraordinary group of improvisers make up a full length musical on the spot. Every show is different. Every night is an opening and closing night. Each show has a cast of six people plus a band of three. Created by Dylan Emery, Adam Meggido. A marvel of human creativity and imagination. This hugely gifted bunch of Showstoppers create, with the help of the audience, a new two act musical every performance.
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In April 2016 Showstopper was presented with an OLIVIER AWARD for BEST ENTERTAINMENT. Here are two YouTube links of the event Presentation / Interview
let it be
2015 national tour (artistic supervisor)
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A celebration of the music of the Beatles
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the glenn miller story
2015 national tour (music producer and arranger)
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The story of Glenn Miller and his Orchestra through the eyes of a long standing fan and admirer.
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dreamboats and miniskirts
2014 national tour (co-director and musical supervisor)
A sequel to Dreamboats and Petticoats in which we follow the characters two years later into 1963. The world of music is changing: the Beatles and the Mersey sound are about to emerge. Will Bobby and Laura be professional songwriters. Will Ray own his own barbershop? Will Norman still be trying to write songs? And what happens to Sue & Donna?
Their story continues ......
Their story continues ......
- Producer - Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield
- Co-directors - Bill Kenwright, Keith Strachan
- Writers - Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran
- Musical Staging - Carole Todd / Musical Supervision - Keith Strachan
- Design - Sean Cavanagh / Costume Design - Anna Gooch
- Lighting - Tim Oliver
- Sound - Dan Samson
- Starring: Alex Beaumont, Anna Campkin, Elizabeth Carter, Chris Coxon, Chloe Edwards-Wood, Alan Howell, Michael Kantola, Sheridan Lloyd, David Luke, Louise Olley, Charlotte Peak, Josef Pitura-Riley, Will Tierney, Josh Tye, Damien Walsh, Ross William Wild, Alastair Hill
- Program
the greatest rock'n'roll tours of them all
2014 national tour (director and musical supervisor)
A cast of six plus a four piece band perform three great concerts each week.
3 Steps To Heaven - Elvis, Buddy and the Big O
The Winter Dance Party - a recreation of the last concert of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens. Also featuring Dion and the Belmonts
Gene & Eddie - a recreation of the Gene Vincent and Effie Cochran tour of 1960 also featuring Joe Brown, Vince Eager and Billy Fury with guest Marty Wilde
3 Steps To Heaven - Elvis, Buddy and the Big O
The Winter Dance Party - a recreation of the last concert of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens. Also featuring Dion and the Belmonts
Gene & Eddie - a recreation of the Gene Vincent and Effie Cochran tour of 1960 also featuring Joe Brown, Vince Eager and Billy Fury with guest Marty Wilde
- Starring:
Damien Edwards, Ed Handoll, Steve Kabakos, Dan Plummer and AJ Dean
Alan Howell, Will Tierney and Matt Blaker
- MD/Keys - Steve Geere
- Guitar - Steve Bramwell
- Bass - Steve Brundish
- Drums - Dan Graham
dreamboats and petticoats
2012-2013 playhouse theatre (director and musical supervisor)
A return to the West End 2012, 2013. A show based around the songs of the successful compilation albums released by Universal. The show is produced by Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield.
Book written by Lawrence Marks and Maurice Gran.
During it's stay at the Playhouse the show featured, among others, Des O'Connor, Tony Christie, Mark Wynter and Sam Attwater.
Later in 2013 the show enjoyed a short and successful season at the Wyndhams Theatre
Book written by Lawrence Marks and Maurice Gran.
During it's stay at the Playhouse the show featured, among others, Des O'Connor, Tony Christie, Mark Wynter and Sam Attwater.
Later in 2013 the show enjoyed a short and successful season at the Wyndhams Theatre
soul sister
2012 hackney empire, savoy and national tour (musical supervisor and arranger)
The life and times of Ike and Tina Turner.
- Starring - Emi Wokoma and Chris Tummings
- Writers - John Miller and Pete Brooks
- Director – Bob Eaton, Pete Brooks
- Choreographers – Jason Pennycooke, Carole Todd
- Musical Director – Sean Green
- Sound – Ben Harrison
- Lighting – Nick Richings
- Video - Simon Wainwright
- Promotional video
- Program
save the last dance for me
2012 national tour (co-director, musical supervisor and arranger)
c. 1963 Two sisters on holiday in Lowestoft meet a USAF sergeant and sample the delights of an American air force base. A tale of forbidden love featuring the songs of Pomus and Shuman.
- Producer - Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield
- Co-directors - Keith Strachan, Bill Kenwright
- Writers - Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran
- Designer - Mark Bailey
- Choreographer - Bill Deamer
- Lighting – Mark Howett
- Sound - Ben Harrison
- Promotional video
- Program
laughter in the rain
2010 bromley and national tour (co-director and musical supervisor)
The life and music of Neil Sedaka written by Philip Norman and produced by Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield.
- Starring - Wayne Smith, Ed Handoll, Anna Clayton, Ali Natkiel, Julia Farino, Simon Connolly, Jade Sampson, Carla Freeman, Natalie Hope, Caroline Dennis, Kieran Brown, Jody Crosier and Charlie Adams
- Musicians - Pierce Tee (keys1), Greg Last (keys2), Christian Sutherland (guitar), Steve Brundish (bass), Sam Edwards (drums), Lindsay Goodhand (sax & clarinet)
- Co Directors - Keith Strachan, Bill Kenwright
- Set - Andy Walmsley
- Lighting - Nick Richings
- Sound - Ben Harrison
- Musical Director - Pierce Tee
- Promotional video
- Program
the showstoppers
2005-2013 (co-producer)
Created in 2005 by Dylan Emery and Adam Meggido this extraordinary group of improvisers make up a full length musical on the spot. every show is different. Every night is an opening and closing night.
The MD is Duncan Walsh-Atkins. Each show has a cast of seven people plus a band of three. Produced by Showstopper Productions comprised of Dylan Emery, Adam Meggido and Keith Strachan.A marvel of human creativity and imagination. This hugely gifted bunch of Showstoppers create, with the help of the audience, a new two act musical every performance. Catch it while you can. Not to be missed.
The MD is Duncan Walsh-Atkins. Each show has a cast of seven people plus a band of three. Produced by Showstopper Productions comprised of Dylan Emery, Adam Meggido and Keith Strachan.A marvel of human creativity and imagination. This hugely gifted bunch of Showstoppers create, with the help of the audience, a new two act musical every performance. Catch it while you can. Not to be missed.
dreamboats and petticoats
2009 savoy theatre and national tour (musical supervisor [and latterly, director])
A book musical based around the songs of the successful compilation albums released by Universal. The show is produced by Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield. Book written by Lawrence Marks and Maurice Gran.
the concert they never gave
2008 national tour (director and co-deviser)
A concert celebration of the music of the late fifties and early sixties. Featuring the songs of the Ventures, Del Shannon, Ricky Nelson, Gene Pitney, The Everly Brothers and Roy Orbison.
Starring Damien Edwards, Stuart Ward, Wayne Smith and Max Hoare. The band of Dan Church (drums) Ben Benville (bass) and Lael Goldberg (guitar) led by Matt Loughran on keyboards.
Starring Damien Edwards, Stuart Ward, Wayne Smith and Max Hoare. The band of Dan Church (drums) Ben Benville (bass) and Lael Goldberg (guitar) led by Matt Loughran on keyboards.
- Lighting - Mark Howett
- Sound - Ben Harrison
- program
can't smile without you
2008 national tour (co-director)
A musical written around the songs of Barry Manilow. The concept was Bill Kenwright’s and the book was written by Tim Prager.
Starring Chesney Hawkes, Siobhan Dillon and Francesca Jackson. Also featuring Howard Samuels, Edward Handoll, Michael Kantola, Gavin Stenhouse, Robin Johnson, Richard Taylor Woods, Reuvon Gershon, Katie Ray, Jade Steele and Sam Palladio.
Starring Chesney Hawkes, Siobhan Dillon and Francesca Jackson. Also featuring Howard Samuels, Edward Handoll, Michael Kantola, Gavin Stenhouse, Robin Johnson, Richard Taylor Woods, Reuvon Gershon, Katie Ray, Jade Steele and Sam Palladio.
- Co-director - Bill Kenwright
- Design - Andy Walmsley
- Lighting - Ben Cracknell
- Musical Director - John Maher
- Choreographer - Carole Todd
happy jack
2008 theatre royal windsor (director)
One of John Godber’s earliest plays based on the memory of his grandparents. It features poems written by his father while working in Frickley Colliery, the same Yorkshire pit as his father. The music used in the play was primarily brass band music some of it from Frickley Colliery’s own band.
Starring Roy Marsden and Nichola McAuliffe
Starring Roy Marsden and Nichola McAuliffe
- Design - Sean Cavanagh
- Lighting - Ben Cracknell
an audience with the mafia
2008 the queens theatre (director)
A one man show created by and featuring the Mercy Man (who shall remain nameless but known to his friends as Albert Fox)
Additional cameo roles - Nicole Faraday
Additional cameo roles - Nicole Faraday
- Design - Will Bowen
- Sound - Gareth Owen
- AV Design - Paul Blake
- Lighting - Ben Cracknell
sweet soul music
2007 national tour (deviser, director and musical arranger and supervisor)
A celebration of Southern Soul and particularly the recordings of Stax and Atlantic Records compiled and directed by Keith Strachan. Starring Linda John-Pierre, Landi Oshinowo, Jenessa Qua, Wayne Anthony-Cole, Delroy Blake, Ray Ellington, Tim Frater, Howard Dean Johnson and a seven piece band.
- Musical Director - Pierce Tee
this is elvis
2006 national tour (director, musical arranger and supervisor)
A musical written by Phillip Norman which plots a year in Presley's life from June 1968 to July 1969 when the 1968 TV Special forces him to make a choice about his future. He decides to turn his back on films and return to live performance. The second half of the show re-lives his appearance at the International Hotel, Las Vegas.
Starring Simon Bowman as Elvis. Kludo White, Andy Pelos, Tom Clare, Morgan Davies, Barney Ashworth, Steve Pretty, Christopher Fry, John Deane, Ruth Augilera, Stephanie Tavernier, Irina Aggrey (and Tim Harwood as alternate Elvis).
Starring Simon Bowman as Elvis. Kludo White, Andy Pelos, Tom Clare, Morgan Davies, Barney Ashworth, Steve Pretty, Christopher Fry, John Deane, Ruth Augilera, Stephanie Tavernier, Irina Aggrey (and Tim Harwood as alternate Elvis).
- Musical Director - Matt Smith
- Choreographer - Carole Todd
- Set design - Andy Walmsley
- Lighting Design - Ben Cracknell
- Sound Design - Ben Harrison
- Sound Engineer - Dave Preece
- Program
- Live recording
dancing in the streets
2005 cambridge theatre and national tour
A new version of the show, without any original Motown stars, but recreating the golden era of The Temptations, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Marvelettes, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Martha and the Vandellas, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Mary Wells, Jimmy Ruffin, Lionel Richie et al.
Starring Julian Cannonier, Anthony Francis, Paul Hazel, Siam Hurlock, Joel Karie, Paula Kay, Alana Maria, Chris Murrell, Nathaniel Morrison, Maurey Richards, Ray Shell, Vanessa White-Smith, Dwayne Wint, Roger Wright and Jacqui Zvimba and an 8 piece band
Starring Julian Cannonier, Anthony Francis, Paul Hazel, Siam Hurlock, Joel Karie, Paula Kay, Alana Maria, Chris Murrell, Nathaniel Morrison, Maurey Richards, Ray Shell, Vanessa White-Smith, Dwayne Wint, Roger Wright and Jacqui Zvimba and an 8 piece band
- Choreographer - Carole Todd
- Musical Director - Iain Vince-Gatt
tommy
2005 national tour (co-director)
A new touring version of the classic Who Rock Opera by Pete Townsend featuring Jonathan Wilkes as Tommy and co-starring Vivienne Carlyle, Alan Crawford, Damien Edwards, Rebecca Jo Hanbury, Brian Joseph McCann, Lee Mead, Tom Newman, Sophie Norris, Landi Oshinowo, Andy Pelos, David Stoller, Rachel Tucker and Jamie Tyler.
Musicians: Stuart Morley (kbd), Ieuan Rees (kbd), Tommy Emmerton (gtr), Nick Radcliffe (gtr), Andy Browning (bass), James Gambold (dms)
Musicians: Stuart Morley (kbd), Ieuan Rees (kbd), Tommy Emmerton (gtr), Nick Radcliffe (gtr), Andy Browning (bass), James Gambold (dms)
- Co-director - Guy Retallack
- Stager - Carole Todd
- Musical Director - Stuart Morley
stephen triffitt celebrates sinatra
2004 (director)
A concert tour featuring Stephen Triffitt and the Syd Lawrence orchestra led by Chris Dean
summer holiday
2003 national tour (musical arranger and supervisor)
- Writer/Director - Michael Gyngell
- Choreographer - Gillian Gregory
- Musical Director - Kevin Oliver Jones
a christmas carol
2002 national tour (director)
An adaption of the Dickens story written by Ron Pember. Produced by Vanessa Ford and starring Roy Marsden, Edward Bryant, Robert Cameron, Martin Carroll, Daisy Douglas, Rycharde Everley, Gregory Fox-Murphy, Hannah McBride, Johanne Murdock, John Nicholson, Rosie Timpson, Simon Walter.
- Musical Director - Steve Markwick
- Lighting - Ben Cracknell
the pit and the pendulum
2001 Windsor and Bromley (director)
John Goodrum's adaptation of the Edgar Allan Poe story starring Gerald Kyd and Derren Nesbitt.
Designed by Tim Shortall, Lighting by Jason Taylor.
Designed by Tim Shortall, Lighting by Jason Taylor.
rock and roll heaven
2001 national tour (deviser, director, musical arranger and supervisor)
A concert celebrating the music of Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Ricky Nelson, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, and Del Shannon. Featuring Kludo White as Eddie, Gwyn Evans as Buddy, Bryan Lacey as Ricky, Fergus Moriarty as Elvis and Damien Edwards as Roy and Del Shannon. Musical Director Kevin Jones. Designed by Andy Walmsley, Lighting by Nick Richings.
agatha christie season
2001 theatre royal westcliff (director: fiddler's three, the rats, the wasp's nest, appointment with death)
A repertory season over five months performing every play written by Agatha Christie herself. The company consisted of:
- 24 actors: Sharon Gavin, Lois Charlton, Diana van Proosdy, Joy Merriman, Sarah Mowat, Liz Elvin, Philippa Urquart, Katy Kingsley, Charmian Gradwell, Gary Richards, Daniel Coll, Stash Kirkbride, Anthony Edridge, Anthony Houghton, Martin Carroll, David Banks, Trevor Rawlins, Jamie Sandford, John Pennington, Simon Linnell, Simon Hepworth, John Griffiths, Jonathan Lermit, and Colin Starkey.
- 7 Directors: Roy Marsden, Joe Harmston, Kristine Landon-Smith, Keith Strachan, Julius Green, Carole Todd & Andrea Montgomery
- 2 Designers: Simon Scullion and Sue Mayes
- 1 Lighting Designer: Adam Crossthwaite
- 1 Costume Designer: Glynis Banyard
- 4 Stage managers: John Blunden, Debbie Hunt, Will Cooper, Stuart Woolner
all you need is love
2001 queens theatre and national tour (musical arranger and supervisor)
A concert celebrating the music of Lennon & McCartney. The idea was to use the songs of John and Paul but not in the style of the Beatles. After all the great songs of the first half of the 20th century by the likes of Cole Porter, the Gershwins and Irving Berlin are considered as standards and performed in a multitude of styles and arrangements. However, we misjudged it. Seemingly, the critics and the public were not ready for such a cavalier treatment of Beatles songs. My favourite review accused me of arranging Let It Be as a gospel song. It always was, wasn't it?
the lodger
2000 windsor and bromley (director)
Starring Phillip Schofield, Ian Lindsay and Carolyn Lyster
- Designed by Tim Shorthall
- Lighting by Bruno Poet
- Sound by Whizz
- Original Music by Matthew Strachan
dancing in the streets
2000 national tour (director, musical arranger and supervisor)
A chance to work with the greats of the original Motown label. Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Martha Reeves of Martha and the Vandellas and Edwin Starr
thank you for the music
2000 national tour (director and musical supervisor)
ABBA, The Bee Gees, The Bay City Rollers, Elton John, Blondie, Sweet, David Cassidy, Slade, Billy Joel, The Osmonds, David Essex, Leo Sayer, John Denver. Say no more.
the blues brothers meet the soul sisters
2000 windsor and national tour (deviser, director, musical arranger and supervisor)
A staged concert of the sounds of Stax, Motown and Atlanta. A joy to behold - featuring Dawn Hope, Linda John Pierre, Karime Kendra, Giles New, Tom Newman, Michael Dimitri
harry's web
2000 Theatre Royal Windsor (director, musical arranger and supervisor)
A futuristic fantasy musical, written by Tim Whitnall, which plots the adventures of Harry. Our intrepid hero, with the help of the Rev. Marvin, escapes the evil oppression of the Concrete City. He sails away in a tiny boat and after a stormy journey is stranded on a desert island where he meets a young girl (Carrie) and the Young Ones. They find a red London transport bus stranded on a beach (maybe left there on a summer holiday c.1960) and discover it has unsuspected powers. With its help and the power invested in them by the songs of Sir Cliff will they succeed in the seemingly insurmountable task of overcoming the power of Devil Woman and her evil stormtroopers?
- Starring Tim Whitnall, Mark Crossland, Chrissie Hammond, Louise McCarthy, Penny Belle Fowler, Dan Wexler, Adrian Dixon, Kevin Jones and Danny White as Cliff.
- Design - Tim Shorthall
- Lighting - Nick Richings
the signalman
1998 (director)
A dramatisation of Charles Dickens' famous ghost story by John Goodrum.
- Starring Patrick Mower and Ben Nealon
- Design - Tim Shorthall
- Lighting - Mark Doubleday
four steps to heaven
1998 Windsor and National Tour (director and musical supervisor)
An audio visual show using slides and video illustrating the lives and times of Elvis Presley Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and Eddie Cochran. Starring Tim Whitnall, Pete Howarth and Alex Bourne
saucy jack and the space vixens
1996/7 queens theatre and hackney empire (director and musical supervisor)
The 1996 hit from the Edinburgh festival finally hits the West End at the Queens Theatre. Sex, Glitter and Rock 'n' Roll.
- Starring David Schofield, Catherine Porter, Johanna Allitt, David ahley, Natasha Bain, Adam Meggido, Mark Oxtoby, Hannah Waddingham and Dan Wexler.
- Witten by Charlotte Mann, Mike Fidler, Robin Forrest and Jonathan Croose
- Design - David Blight
- Lighting - Nick Richings
- Musical Director - James Compton
- program
- cast album
elvis
1996 prince of wales (director and musical arranger)
The Elvis Presley multi media biographical show written by Jack Good in 1977 and produced then by Ray Cooney. Keith was the original MD of that show in 1977 and Carole Todd was the choreographer. Now together they direct the 20th anniversary production for Bill Kenwright.
- Starring PJ Proby, Tim Whitnall and Alex Barr as the three ages of Elvis.
- program
ferry cross the mersey
1996 national tour (director and musical supervisor)
A dramatization of the life of Gerry and the Pacemakers featuring Gerry Marsden himself.
no trams to lime street
1995 liverpool playhouse (director)
A musical based on the famous 60s TV production by Alun Owen. The music was written by Marty Wilde and Ronnie Scott. It starred David Easter, Graham Bickley, Siobhan McCarthey and Linda Davidson and played at the Liverpool Playhouse.
the sound of fury
1995 liverpool playhouse and national tour (director and musical supervisor)
The Billy Fury biography written by Joe Boyle and Gary Waterman. Starring Danny McCall as Billy.
only the lonely
originally 1993 liverpool playhouse (musical director [later director])
The show that was later renamed the Roy Orbison Story starring Larry Branson as Roy Orbison. It ran at the Piccadilly theatre for a year and was nominated for the Laurence Olivier award for best musical.
baby love (aka large as life)
1993 Nuffield Theatre and Leatherhead (composer and co-lyricist)
A musical written by Richard Harris and Keith Strachan following the hopes and fears of five couples and one single parent during the months of pregnancy. Similar to Richard's great successes like Stepping Out and Outside Edge in that it covers the whole range of emotions. It was directed by Patrick Sandford the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton and the Thorndike Theatre, Leatherhead in 1993 and it was directed by Millicent Martin at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff under the title Mixed Blessings in 1991. It has since been reworked under the title Large As Life and is published by Samuel French Ltd.
imagine
1992 liverpool playhouse & empire (co-deviser and musical arranger and supervisor)
The story of John Lennon compiled by Ian Kellgren and Keith Strachan featuring the music of Lennon (with and without McCartney). It starred Mark McGann as Lennon (and the following year, Drew Schofield). It was a huge success but unfortunately the rights for the music were only allowed for productions in Liverpool.
in the midnight hour
1992 young vic (musical director)
An original story by Phil Ryan about a group of kids growing up in the North West Soul scene using music from Stax and Motown.
the little match girl
1991 the orange tree, richmond (composer and musical director)
An adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's famous short story. Book and lyrics by Jeremy Paul and Leslie Stewart, music by Keith Strachan. Directed by John Wood, musical direction by Keith Strachan and choreography by Carole Todd. Starring Nicola Stapleton as the Match Girl and featuring Aline Mowat and Billy Hartman. Written originally in 1975 and directed by Jeremy Paul at the Orange Tree Theatre in 1976 under the title Scraps. The musical features the song Mistletoe and Wine which was a recorded as a No.1 hit single by Cliff Richard.
good rockin' tonite
1991 liverpool playhouse, strand , prince of wales, playhouse (musical arranger and supervisor)
A light hearted Rock & Roll extravaganza celebrating the life of Jack Good and written and directed by Jack himself. The original production in Liverpool featured Greg Wise as Jack and it later transferred into the Prince Of Wales Theatre (via the Strand and the Playhouse) featuring Philip Bird.
For the uninitiated, Jack Good is an important figure in British Rock & Roll. He created the shows 6-5 Special, Oh Boy, Boy Meets Girls and later in the USA the legendary Shindig. He is credited with the discovery of such talent as Cliff Richard, Billy Fury, Marty Wilde, P.J. Proby and Adam Faith and he brought to these shores Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran and Sonny and Cher. He also wrote the rock version of Othello Catch My Soul.
For the uninitiated, Jack Good is an important figure in British Rock & Roll. He created the shows 6-5 Special, Oh Boy, Boy Meets Girls and later in the USA the legendary Shindig. He is credited with the discovery of such talent as Cliff Richard, Billy Fury, Marty Wilde, P.J. Proby and Adam Faith and he brought to these shores Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran and Sonny and Cher. He also wrote the rock version of Othello Catch My Soul.
the lady or the tiger
1989 orange tree, richmond (director)
Directing this at the Orange Tree Theatre was a nostalgia trip for Keith, this being the show and the venue which began his career in theatre. (See 1975)
tonight lola blau
1989 Hampstead (director)
A musical diary of a young jewish girl who escapes Nazi Germany. It is a one woman show accompanied by a pianist. This was Keith's debut as a director and starred Yael O'Dwyer accompanied by Mark Stewart.
the little match girl
1987 htv (composer)
The TV production starring Roger Daltrey and Twiggy and introducing Natalie Morse as the Match Girl. This was broadcast internationally at Christmas 1987 and was nominated for an Emmy Award.
grease
1979 national tour and astoria (musical supervisor)
An earlier incarnation of the popular musical at the Astoria Theatre in 1980. It featured the then little known Tracey Ullman, Su Pollard and Andy Paul (PC Quinnan of the Bill). Jeff Stewart (Reg Hollis of the Bill) was the assistant stage manager.
oh boy!
1979 astoria theatre (musical director)
A show celebrating Jack Good's late 50s TV hit. Originally put together as a Sunday night concert at the Astoria Theatre featuring the cast of Elvis, including Shakey Stevens (the show was currently playing the Astoria) and augmented by such luminaries as Joe Brown and Alvin Stardust. The show was picked by ATV and Oh Boy made brief comeback on TV in 1980.
elvis
1977 astoria theatre (musical director)
The Elvis Presley musical starring P.J.Proby, Shakin' Stevens and Tim Whitnall. Written and directed by Jack Good and produced by Ray Cooney. Assistant director Annabel Leventon, choreographer Carole Todd. Winner of the Evening Standard Best Musical Award.
scraps
1977 the orange tree theatre (composer)
A musical by Jeremy Paul, Leslie Stewart and Keith Strachan based on Hans Christian Anderson's short story The Little Match Girl. Keith saw a version of the story on television written by Jeremy and suggested that they develop it into a musical. It eventually became known as the Little Match Girl and was recorded on video by HTV starring Twiggy and Roger Daltrey but this was the first incarnation at the Orange Tree Theatre Richmond performed in Dec 1977.
Director: Jeremy Paul
Musical Director: Krzysztof Kafka
Designer: Jenny Beavan
The cast: Perry Benson, Liz Crowther, Deddie Davies, Debbie Farrington, Eva Griffith, Krzysztof Kafka, Geoffrey Leesley, Sharman Macdonald, Margery Mason, Alan Parnaby, Paddy Ward and Peter Wyatt
Director: Jeremy Paul
Musical Director: Krzysztof Kafka
Designer: Jenny Beavan
The cast: Perry Benson, Liz Crowther, Deddie Davies, Debbie Farrington, Eva Griffith, Krzysztof Kafka, Geoffrey Leesley, Sharman Macdonald, Margery Mason, Alan Parnaby, Paddy Ward and Peter Wyatt
shoot up at elbow creek
1976 orange tree and greenwich (composer and musical director)
A musical spoof of the Western B movie genre. It was written in 1974 by Leslie Stewart, Keith Strachan and Roy Truman. It featured the girl next door in the gingham frock, Mary Warner, and the bar room queen of Toostoned, Lucy Sugar Diamond. The peace of the town was ensured by Sheriff Don Quickshott until the gunslinger, Eddie Coquane, arrives on the scene. It was produced at the Orange Tree Theatre and later at the Greenwich Theatre.
- program (including free record)
- original demo of the songs and live recording at the Orange Tree, Richmond
the lady or the tiger
1975 orange tree and fortune theatre (musical director)
The show that began it all for Keith. This tiny musical (cast of 4 plus 2 musicians) was written by Michael Richmond and Nola York - adapted from a short story by Frank Stockton. It opened in 1975 as the Orange Tree Theatre's first musical. It was a huge success in Richmond and transferred to the Fortune Theatre where it had a short run. Keith was the piano player who sang a few of the songs.