NEWLY-COMPOSED live music will accompany Newport Playgoers Society’s production of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, adapted by Janet Munsil.
“I thought that live, classical music would help to set the tone when I decided to set the play in the novel’s original Regency period,” said Director Adele Cordner.
“Then, our Cardiff-based Musical Director Kevin Myers blew me away by going the extra mile and offering to compose the music and songs himself!”
Kevin Myers
Kevin Myers, who works as Orchestra Co-ordinator for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, said: “When Adele asked if I’d like to be involved in the music for this production, I leapt at the chance.
“Generally, I work best when writing for a particular reason - for weddings or Christmas for example. I’ve written music for plays before too, and as an Austen fan, the opportunity to write for the quintessential love story was just too tempting.
“Like all teenagers, I was something of a musical rebel, but growing up with a blues guitarist for a father, my rebellion was a little atypical; I would storm off to my bedroom and crank up the volume on an LP of Vivaldi mandolin concertos!
"With just a few simple chords one can come up with an endlessly various melodic world.Writing songs unites my love of words and music like nothing else."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Frankie & Benny's restaurant in Cwmbran has closed down permanently'She never judged me. Not once': Student nominates her inspiration for top awardMr Myers' new music and songs will be performed live onstage throughout the play by Newport pianist Paul Green, cellist Peter Thewless and soprano Victoria Hughes.
Mr Myers said it is an 'honour' to write for the trio and a 'privilege' to hear them bring his melodies to life on stage.
The fast-paced adaptation of the famous comic romance will be brought to life by the established Newport Playgoers Society from May 14 until May 18.
Performances will be at the Dolman Theatre in Newport at 7.15pm, with the final performance - which is on Saturday - at 2.30pm.
Tickets are £12.50, or £8.50 concessions. The Saturday performance is £11 for senior citizens.
Tickets are available online through
dolmantheatre.co.ukor by calling the Box Office on 01633 263670.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here