New British musical From Here launches fundraiser after lockdown easing is delayed

New British musical From Here has launched a fundraising appeal ahead of its world premiere.

The new piece written by Ben Barrow and Lucy Ireland is due to run from 1 to 31 July at Chiswick Playhouse.

The show was due to play after the easing of social distancing restrictions, originally set for 21 June.

But after the government announced a four week delay to that this week, the production has opened a fundraiser to help it go ahead with reduced capacity audiences.

Creators Ben and Lucy said: “As many of you will be aware, the world premiere of our new musical ‘FROM HERE’ is scheduled to run at the Chiswick Playhouse this summer throughout July.

“We expected that the show would be able to run at full capacity throughout – but with the recent change to the date on which restrictions will be lifted, this plan has now been compromised and we are left with a scenario whereby, if we want to open the show on time and with the current team we have assembled, we would have to play to socially distant audiences for the first two and a half weeks.

“In a final attempt to make this option financially viable, we are setting up a second fundraiser for the project in case anyone has ANYTHING that they would be willing to give in order to help us to play our part in being a part of the re-opening of the theatre industry and to support the small venues and producers who have been so often overlooked in these situations.

“On a personal note, those of you who know how much this project means to both of us will know how grateful we would be for any last-minute support that you could give! Having heard the wonderful cast over the last week and a half, we can guarantee that it’s SO worth it!”

The cast of the musical is to feature Grace Mouat, Andrew Patrick-Walker, Nicola Espallardo, and Aidan Harkins.

The production is produced by Dominic Gray for Red Piano Productions in association with the Chiswick Playhouse and is directed by Annabelle Hollingdale with musical direction by Ian Oakley, set and costume Design by Jessica Staton and sound design by Tony Gayle.

Lucy Ireland said of the show: “The characters and the themes in the show all look at different situations and how the characters deal with them personally. We go on a journey with each individual and see how they process their situation and decide to act upon it. This show is timely and relevant to our current situation, but will be timeless in the years to come and therefore suitable for all.”