Overview
Synopsis
London Road is set in Ipswich, Suffolk, in and around London Road during the serial murders of local prostitutes and subsequent trial of killer Steve Wright in 2006–2008. The musical focuses primarily on the experiences of twelve residents of London Road, whose homes became embroiled in the police investigation and obtrusive press coverage. However, each resident takes on multiple roles as they convey the feelings and reports of those living and working in the area at the time. Based upon a series of interviews conducted by Alecky Blythe, the musical does not attempt to convey the murders or the victims, but instead takes a community focus, discovering how the residents rebuilt their lives following the tragic murders.
Show Information
- Book
- Alecky Blythe
- Music
- Adam Cork
- Lyrics
- Alecky Blythe
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2011
- Genres
- Drama, Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Contemporary, Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- London Road, Ipswich, 2006-2008
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Small
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- Nick Hern Book
- Ideal For
- College/University, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Mature Adult, Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
London Road is a pioneering piece of verbatim theatre, and the text is therefore spoken by the performers in a direct reproduction of the interviews conducted by Alecky Blythe as part of her research for the musical. She conducted several interviews with the residents of London Road who lived there during the time of the Ipswich serial murders and subsequent trial, as well as some of the prostitutes working there and reporters who had worked on the case. Crucially, the music reflects and
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Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Baritone, Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Baritone, Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
Songs
Act One
- "Good Evening, Welcome" - Ron, Julie, Ensemble
- "London Road in Bloom" - Ensemble
- "Everyone is Very Very Nervous" - Ensemble
- "It Could Be Him" - Female Ensemble
- "Shaving Scratch" - Male Ensemble
- "And That's When it All Started" - Ensemble
- "They Like a Good Moan" - Ensemble
- "It's a Wicked Bloody World" - Ensemble
Act Two
- “The Five Counts of Murder/”The Plea” - Ensemble
- "Ten Weeks" - Ensemble
- "Cellular Material" - Ensemble
- "We've All Stopped" - Prostitutes
- "The Verdict" - Reporters
- "Everyone Smile" - Ensemble
- "London Road in Bloom" (Reprise) - Ensemble
Note: The Listen link reflects the motion picture soundtrack, which differs slightly from the musical song list indicated here.
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher