Photos have been release offering a glimpse into the inaugural two productions of MTFestUK, Far From Heaven and #50Days, now playing to in-person audiences at London’s Turbine Theatre.

MTFestUK endeavours to showcase some of the best in new musical theatre writing to UK audiences, with a view to platform the shows into full productions.

Far From Heaven, based on the 2002 film period-drama by Todd Haynes, tells the story of Cathy Whitaker, a 1950s housewife in suburban Connecticut, as her seemingly perfect life falls apart. The musical features abook by Richard Greenberg, music by Scott Frankel, lyrics by Michael Korle, direction by Matthew White and musical direction by Alex Parker.

The piece features Cory English (Young Frankenstein) as Stan / Maurice, Tiffany Graves (Chicago) as Mrs Leacock / Mona Lauder / Doreen, Aimee Hodnett (Follies) as Connie / Nancy, Melanie La Barrie (& Juliet) as Sybil, Ako Mitchell (Caroline, Or Change) as Raymond, Bryce Pinkham (A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder) as Frank, Scarlett Strallen (She Loves Me) as Cathy and Rebecca Thornhill (Matilda the Musical) as Eleanor.

#50Days is a new original grime musical created and written by Thabo Stuck that discourses British history through the lens of underrepresented groups today. The musical is directed by Ajjaz Awad-Ibrahim and features musical direction by Amiir Saleem.

#50Days stars Aminita Francis (Frankenstein: How To Make A Monster) as Digby / Prince of Wales, Nadine-Rose Johnson (Frankenstein) as Queen Henrietta, Reuben Joseph (Midsummer) as King Charles, Kyran Mitchell-Nanton (Karma) as Pym, Robert Saunders (Grandpa’s Great Escape Live) as Lillburn / Lucy Haye and Cleve September (Hamilton) as Manchester.

Upcoming productions in MTFestUK include The Man in the Ceiling, Millennials, HouseFire, Cake, Proud and Tony! (A Tony Blair Rock Opera).

The productions will workshop to live audiences at Turbine Theatre til 29th May, before embarking on a digital UK ‘tour’ from 31st May to 4th July. Tickets are available here.