Grayson Perry's life story is set to be transformed into an "outrageous" new stage musical, co-created with the composer behind Jerry Springer: The Opera. Titled Grayson the Musical, the production will chart the artist's journey from his childhood in Chelmsford to his rise as an internationally acclaimed Turner Prize-winning ceramicist, tapestry-maker, and fashion icon known for his love of dresses.
Musical Details and Themes
The show promises to explore themes of "identity, creativity and self-acceptance," with a supporting role for Alan Measles, Perry's cherished teddy bear who has frequently appeared in his artwork. Perry himself has written the lyrics, while Richard Thomas, known for the audacious Jerry Springer: The Opera, composes the music. The book is penned by Sara-Ella Ozbek, a screenwriter and novelist.
Perry remarked, "When I first started thinking about turning my life into a musical, I realised it already contained most of the essential ingredients – questionable fashion choices and class anxiety amongst them. Beneath all the comedy, however, is a story about trying to work out who you are and if you can ever truly belong. A concept which many may relate to."
Workshop Performances
Five workshop performances are scheduled for July, with the production set to be presented at Soho Theatre Walthamstow in east London, where Perry maintained a studio for many years. One of his most famous works, The Walthamstow Tapestry, depicts the seven ages of man and is adorned with hundreds of brand names.
Directed by Sean Foley, the musical is described as an "irreverent odyssey" as Perry navigates life's challenges, including marital breakdowns and career disasters, with guidance from a six-foot teddy bear named Alan. According to a press statement, the show is ultimately about "growing up and embracing who you truly are, touching on themes of family, therapy, art and, of course, cross-dressing – you know, all the usual musical comedy tropes."
Perry previously recounted his life story in the 2006 book Portrait of the Artist as a Young Girl, co-written with Wendy Jones. Last year, he toured a stage show titled Are You Good?, which explored morality and included audience participation and songs. The workshop performances of Grayson the Musical will run from 16 to 19 July.
