Grayson the Musical: An Outrageous New Stage Production
Grayson Perry’s life story is set to be portrayed in an "outrageous" new stage musical, co-created with the composer behind Jerry Springer: The Opera.
Grayson the Musical offers a portrait of the artist, tracing his journey from childhood in Chelmsford to his international acclaim as a Turner Prize-winning ceramicist, tapestry-maker, and enthusiast of flamboyant dresses. Alongside the dazzling costumes, the production will feature a supporting role for Alan Measles, Perry’s cherished six-foot teddy bear.
“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,” said Perry.
“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.”
The workshop production will have five performances in July before further development. It will be staged at a venue in east London, the borough where Perry maintained a studio for many years. Among his most renowned works is The Walthamstow Tapestry, which illustrates the seven ages of man and is decorated with hundreds of brand names.
Creative Team and Themes
Directed by Sean Foley, the musical is described as an “irreverent odyssey” following Perry as he navigates themes of identity, creativity, and self-acceptance through experiences such as marital breakdowns, career setbacks, and life coaching sessions with the six-foot teddy bear Alan. Perry has penned the lyrics, with music composed by Richard Thomas, known for the daring Jerry Springer: The Opera. The book is authored by Sara-Ella Ozbek, recognized for her work as a screenwriter and novelist.
According to a press statement, it is ultimately a show “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”.
Background and Previous Work
Perry previously recounted his life story in the book Grayson Perry: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Girl, co-written with Wendy Jones and published in 2006. Last year, he toured a stage show titled Are You Good?, which explored morality and featured extensive audience participation along with musical numbers. The upcoming workshop run of Grayson the Musical is scheduled from 16 to 19 July.
