Radio Silence, a new musical by Laura Simpson and Lydia Jane Pugh, is set for its debut this evening following eight years of pre-production.
Set in Guernsey during the German Occupation in the 1940s, it tells a fictional story about six people and explores themes of love, loss, loyalty, and resistance.
The show aims to highlight the resilience of the people who stayed on the island during the war years, and is described as a “deeply human story.”
The writing process for the musical began in February 2017, with a workshop with actors planned for early 2020, and auditions that were scheduled for the day after the first lockdown, however the pandemic put the plans on pause.
According to Ms Simpson, this delay was a benefit in disguise for the production, and allowed the creators valuable time to further develop the show for its premiere in the 80th anniversary year.
It stars Eve Le Sauvage, Michael Sullivan-Pugh, Lottie Ewin, Laura Simpson, Chris Brooks and Reece Kilminster; all whilst accompanied by a live orchestra featuring Sam Claxton, Luke Turley, Chiara Bird, Jennifer Langlois, Elizabeth Gill, Elaine Chapman, Zaheer Anees, and Lydia Jane Pugh.
The amount of local talent that has worked towards the debut doesn’t stop there.
The concept, book, and lyrics for the musical were created by Laura Simpson, while Lydia Jane Pugh was responsible for the music and orchestrations.
The production was directed by Fiona Dove and produced by Stephen Rouxel, whilst Clare Milner served as the stage manager, assisted by Laura Meinke and Tracey Robilliard.
The set was designed by Heather Everett and built by Josh Cotran-Gabriel, and Sound design and usage was handled by Simon Ricketts, with lighting by Clare Milner, Michael Sullivan-Pugh, and the team at the Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts.
Costume design was by Eloise Jones, and the hair and make-up team included Jade Winterton, Dominique Ogier-Keltie, and Jo Marsh.
Other key roles included Alix Coubrough-Barnett as the intimacy coordinator and Dave Hyett as the fight coordinator.
Meanwhile Dani Robin handled props, and photography, whilst Alan Robin was the AV designer.
Stephen Le Prevost served as the historical consultant, providing uniforms and archive images, while artefacts were loaned by the Guernsey Service Rifle and Heritage Group, with print media designed by Dom.O.
One of the writers for the brand new stage show, Laura Simpson, says there’s some proper excitement surrounding the show.
“The buzz around this show is quite unlike anything else we’ve ever experienced!
“Excited doesn’t quite cover it, but we both feel incredibly privileged and grateful that our incredible team of actors, musicians, production team and crew have worked tirelessly to bring our show to life through the last five weeks of rehearsals. Now, we just need an audience!”
She adds that the show highlights their love for the island, and it’s people, especially those who lived through the occupation and war years.
“At its heart, Radio Silence is our love letter to the Channel Islands. Our story, though purely fictional, is rooted in our island’s history and uses very real events as its backdrop.
“Although our characters are an invention, we like to think that they could have existed in this time, and their stories and experiences could have happened. Plus, how often do you get to attend a World Premiere of a musical?”
There are four performances taking place at the Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts, with the first this evening at 19.30, tomorrow evening and two shows on Saturday at 14.00 and 19.30.
Tickets are available online HERE, and cost £30 for a standard ticket or £20 for children and seniors.