Studio 3 at Riverside Studios is set to host the critically acclaimed production Alan Turing – A Musical Biography.
This musical biography offers a deep dive into the life of Alan Turing, a renowned British genius whose contributions during World War II were pivotal yet often overlooked.
Directed by Jane Miles, the show promises a rich blend of storytelling and music, with compositions by Joel Goodman and Jan Osborne, book by Joan Greening and lighting design by Rob Dyer. The cast features Joe Bishop in the titular role of Alan Turing, with Zara Cooke taking on multiple roles, including that of Turing’s colleague and friend, Joan Clarke.
After its sold-out success at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe, where it received immense critical acclaim and an OffFest award nomination, the production is eagerly anticipated in London.
The musical explores the extraordinary journey of Turing, whose intellect and codebreaking skills were instrumental in saving an estimated fourteen million lives during the war. It delves into his personal and professional life, highlighting key moments from his youth, his groundbreaking work at Bletchley Park, a romantic involvement with a fellow worker, and the profound impact of his homosexuality on his later life. The production also underscores the pivotal moment when Turing cracked the German Enigma Machine.
Composer Joel Goodman said: “I am delighted to be bringing Alan Turing A Musical Biography to London, and very much looking forward to our run at Riverside Studios. Alan Turing was one of the greatest British unsung heroes of World War Two, and we wanted to show the full breadth of his journey – from the loss of his closest friend at school, to his time at Bletchley Park, a romance with a fellow worker, and the growing awareness of his homosexuality, plus the crucial moment he realises he knows how to beat the German’s Enigma Machine. He was a brilliant and funny man, left in despair by his treatment after the war – we hope we do his story justice on stage.”
Age recommendation and guidance: 10+
Running time: 80 minutes (no interval)
