"The Fire and the Quest": We Did It!
'The Fire and the Quest' festival celebrating 10 years of Clive Nolan Musicals took place on September 4th and 5th, 2015. The artists of the Caamora Theatre Company performed three shows in front of the sold out venue of the Playhouse Theatre in Cheltenham, UK. Clive’s jubilee was commenced with the premiere of a brand new production of his first musical, 'She', followed by the off-West End version of 'Alchemy', both directed by Ian Baldwin. Saturday acoustic concert, hosted by Clive himself and featuring, among others, some of the original performers from both musicals, gave a chance to reminisce about the past 10 years of Clive’s musical journey. The event was a great success and fun for performers and the audience alike.
Clive: "There is no doubt that ‘The Fire and the Quest’ weekend is over, and what a fantastic weekend it was! The plethora of terrific performances, the culmination of such brilliant work and preparation, and of course the wonderful reaction of the lovely people who travelled from the corners of the world to see us in action. It’s the audience that really makes a show, and guys… you made it! I felt proud, moved and excited all in one heady mixture! This was truly a lifetime highlight!"
Watch the video HERE
Read more about 'She' HERE
Read more about 'Alchemy' HERE
I Like Writing Musicals: A Conversation with Clive Part 2
Clive: "As far as the characters I played are concerned, there was a practical reason... When I started writing the songs I was cheaper than anybody else around, so it made some kind of sense that I played Leo initially in "She". But I never felt any affinity for that particular role - it didn't really suit me. But when I wrote the story of "Alchemy", I was very aware that the character of King would suit me more. So that was a much easier decision to make. These two characters are the two that I actually sang. Obviously I sing a lot of the background chorus as well and when I do the demos, I sing a lot of the material even if it becomes somebody else's part later on".
I Like Writing Musicals: A Conversation with Clive Nolan Part 1
Clive: "When I was a child my parents had a radiogram. You were pulling the little doors open and there was room for albums on the sides and the record deck in the middle. Being an only child I used to have a lot of time on my own and I used to go through these records. We had a collection of albums like "South Pacific", "My Fair Lady", "The Sound of Music". At that time I did not really think consciously about the genre - I just used to listen to these albums all the time and make up my own stories, cause they did not have proper sleeves. So, I had to imagine what was going on in the story. Thus from a very early age I was listening to that kind of music and my parents used to take me to see some of the musicals in the cinema. I remember being taken to see "Oliver!" and "Scrooge the Musical" and various other ones as well. So, I was brought up on a diet of musicals to some extent."
Rehearsals for the New 'She' Production!
The preparations for 'The Fire and the Quest' are now in full swing as the cast and crew of the new version of 'She' are working hard to ensure the success of the September show. This brand new production, directed by the multi-talented Ian Baldwin, features an entirely new cast as well as a new character and some new material written by Clive especially for that occasion. Whilst a very intense rehearsal schedule is being realised, the costumes are being made and the scenery built. Soon it will be time for 'Alchemy' rehearsals!
Clive: "I have attended various ‘She’ rehearsals along the way so far and things are moving along really well. I can see the show taking shape, and making sense! Ian’s vision of ‘She’ is dynamic and exciting. It’s going to be a great show. It’s scary to think that ‘Alchemy’ rehearsals will begin very soon… time to re-learn those lyrics... ;)"
Cheltenham Playhouse Ghost Walk!
We are pleased to offer an additional attraction to make 'The Fire and the Quest' an even more exciting experience. The Ghost Walk will take place on Friday, September 4th from 11 pm to 2 am. During this exciting 3-hour-long tour through the secret nooks and corners of the haunted Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre, we will learn about the history and all the mysteries of the old theatre building. The tour will be guided by Ross Andrews, the Caamora Company excellent singer, the acclaimed TV presenter and the author of numerous books, including "Paranormal Cheltenham".
You think you know all about the Cheltenham Playhouse...? Join the Ghost Walk and find out! But... are you ready for it...?? ;)
The price of the Ghost Walk: £15 (NOT included in the price of Golden Tickets)
The number of tickets is limited (due to the theatre policy). The tour will take place with the minimum of 10 persons.
Clive Nolan Musicals Facebook Group!
After some thought, we have decided to change the name of the facebook Caamora Theatre Company Group group into "Clive Nolan Musicals". We hope this way, more people who are interested in Clive's work will find this group and our musical family will grow even bigger!
Hopefully, the new name will also help to focus on the main point of the site whilst still embracing all aspects and people involved.
The name of the group changes, but all the rest remains the same and we hope we will continue sharing our passion and enjoying 'She', 'Alchemy' and indeed any possible future musicals from Clive.
Join the group HERE
More about 'She' HERE
More about 'Alchemy HERE
Visit our online shop HERE
Clive Nolan 'Hidden Treasure' CD!
We are happy to announce the PRE-SALE of a new CD with material by Clive. 'Hidden Treasure' is a collection of demos, oddities and unreleased material from 'She' and 'Alchemy'. All songs on this album are never-heard-before versions performed by the stellar cast of singers and instrumentalists involved in both projects over the last 10 years. The album includes an impressive booklet featuring Clive's reminiscences, photos and interesting trivia concerning the songs, with excellent artwork by Kylan Amos and Mark Buckingham. 'Hidden Treasure' will be ready to be dispatched in mid-July. All funds raised from the CD will go to support the production of Clive's musicals. For more details about the album and the performers, visit our internet shop, The Lost Tribe Emporium.
Clive: "The perfect present - don’t get one when you can get four.! ;) I think if you are a follower of what we have been doing with these musicals over the last years, then this makes a very interesting accompaniment to the whole story."
Pre-order 'Hidden Treasure' HERE
More about 'She' HERE
More about 'Alchemy' HERE
'The Fire and the Quest' SOLD OUT!
We are proud to announce that Clive's jubilee event, 'The Fire and the Quest' is now SOLD OUT! The mini festival will celebrate 10 years of Clive's musicals with the premiere of the new productions of 'She' and 'Alchemy' and the acoustic concert featuring special guests. Rehearsals have already begun and works on scenery and costumes are in full swing now. The casts and the production team are getting ready for what will be their biggest venture of 2015.
Clive: "I am very happy to hear that the 'Fire and the Quest' event is now sold out! With three and a half months to go, we can now concentrate our energies on the actual shows. I must admit I am curious to see the new production of 'She', complete with a new character and new material. We also have some great guests for Saturday afternoon as well. Right... lots to do!"
We are also happy to invite you to visit our brand new website devoted to Clive's first musical, 'She'. You can now view the new updated website HERE.
Thank you from Arena!
Clive: "So, the Arena tour is done. For me (including the writing and recording of the album... rehearsal and touring), it has been non stop Arena since January 3rd! Today feels a bit weird... What to do next...
In the meantime, I'd like to thank my band mates Mick Pointer, John Mitchell, Kylan Amos and Paul Manzi for the adventure - it was a roller coaster, guys! Massive appreciation to our terrific crew, Mark Westwood, Alec Morris, Graeme Bell, Ashley Reynolds and Phil Linstead. along with our amazing driver Tommy! Big thumbs up to the agents, organisers and supporters who made all these gigs possible. Naturally my everlasting gratitude to all you wonderful people who came along to the shows and cheered, shouted, sang and clapped your way through the evenings! Your enthusiasm, as always, is the fuel that keeps Arena alive and kicking! Thank you all, for this tour, and indeed the last twenty years... it was a blast!"
More about Arena HERE