Musical theatre lovers everywhere might enjoy this audio reach across the pond. UK online radio JemmThree, The staff of UK’s online radio site JemmThree, all avowed musicals fanatics, deliver 24 hours of show tunes, cheerily commenting about the songs and recent performances in the West End. So, not the standard automated playlists you may be accustomed to. Listen in via the JemmThree player or by downloading their JemmRadio or Tune In app.
This holiday season, JemmThree is presenting nine complete musicals, with narration by composers and others, between December 24th and January 1st, starting at 7pm (UK time), or 2pm here in the DC area.
Each day throughout Advent, JemmThree will release more information about the show being featured on this page. Here are the particulars so far:
Christmas Eve, Dec 24 – SCROOGE
By Leslie Bricusse, with narration by JemmThree breakfast presenter Robin Crowley
Originally written for the screen, Leslie Bricusse adapted his screenplay, music and lyrics for this stage version. The heart-warming story of how the miserly Scrooge was shown the error of his ways by his deceased partner Jacob Marley, and the three Christmas ghosts who persuade him to turn over a new leaf, is brilliantly supplemented by this wonderful score. www.jayrecords.com
Christmas Day, Dec 25 – A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens, with narration by JemmThree afternoon presenter Stephen Beeny
A musical is based on Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella of the same name. The show was presented annually at the Paramount Theatre in Madison Square Garden from 1 December, 1994 to 27 December, 2003. The version we are playing is the all-star cast from the 2004 television film with Kelsey Grammer, Jason Alexander, Jesse L Martin, Jane Krakowski, Geraldine Chaplin and Jennifer Love Hewitt. www.jayrecords.com
Boxing Day, Dec 26 – THE LOST CHRISTMAS
By Laurence Mark Wythe, with narration by Laurence Mark Wythe
A festive family musical that was most recently seen in London at the Waterloo East Theatre in 2011. It has also been staged by youth groups including Maidstone Youth Theatre at the Hazlitt Arts Centre. The story is about the true meaning of the Christmas spirit and is suitable for all the family with fun, catchy songs, an intriguing plot and great, funny characters including time travelling robots from the future and of course Santa Claus himself! The Lost Christmas appears courtesy of Perfect Pitch Musicals Ltd. www.perfectpitchmusicals.com www.laurencemarkwythe.com
Friday 27 December – SOHO CINDERS
By George Stiles & Anthony Drewe, with narration by George Stiles
Cinderella re-imagined – a modern musical fable with a story centred around the complications of love, with a catchy contemporary new score. In aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, this one-night-only concert was recorded live at the Queen’s Theatre London on Sunday 9 October 2011 and featured an all-star West End cast including David Bedella, Clive Carter, Sharon D Clarke, Amy Lennox, Beverly Rudd, Jos Slovick, Hannah Waddingham, Michael Xavier and Sandi Toksvig. www.simgproductions.com www.stilesanddrewe.biz
Saturday 28 December – THAT TIME OF THE YEAR
Concept and lyrics by Laurence Holzman & Felicia Needleman
A musical revue of 25 all-original Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s songs. Running the musical gamut from show tunes to rock, blues and jazz, the songs range from funny numbers highlighting the joys and anxieties of the holiday season to beautiful, touching ballads about the meaning behind the holidays. www.jayrecords.com
Sunday 29 December, 7pm – THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
By George Stiles & Anthony Drewe, with narration by Anthony Drewe
A family-friendly ‘very curly musical tail’ based on the universally famous fairy tale performed by a stellar West End cast including Alison Jiear as the Piglets’ put-upon Mother who is “too old and too tough to eat”, Olivier Award winner Clive Rowe as The Big, Bad but Misunderstood? Wolf, and Gareth Gates, Amy Lennox and Lewis Barnshaw as the three pigs. www.simgproductions.com www.stilesanddrewe.biz
Monday 30 December – SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
By Chris Burgess (based on the novel by Sophie Kinsella), with narration by Chris Burgess
This farcical yet heart-felt story explores the theme of ‘second chances’ and ‘missed opportunities’ with a sizzle of sensuality and lashings of Sangria. In the heat of the Spanish summer old passions flare up once more for two ex-lovers – now remarried and holidaying with their families. When a Spanish holiday villa turns out be double-booked, Chloe and Hugh are forced to spend a week together… and it is a week neither will ever forget! www.simgproductions.com
New Year’s Eve, 7pm – WHEN MIDNIGHT STRIKES
By Charles Miller and Kevin Hammonds, with narration by JemmThree afternoon presenter Stephen Beeny
New York, New Year’s Eve 1999 – the dawn of a new millennium – and Jennifer West’s intimate dinner party for close friends and family begins to fall apart upon the discovery that her husband has been having an affair. To make matters worse, she realizes that the unknown mistress is one of eleven party guests. As the hosts confront their unravelling marriage, new resolutions, past mistakes, and an uncertain future merge into an explosive and life-altering evening. www.makingrecords.co.uk www.charlesmiller.org.uk
New Year’s Day, 7pm – MOLLY WOBBLY’S TIT FACTORY
By Paul Boyd, with narration by Paul Boyd
An original titillating musical tale of three very ordinary couples who live on Mammary Lane. When a mysterious stranger appears in the town of Little Happening the local men suddenly find themselves plotting to get rid of their wives, whilst the women of the town are left with no option but to get one or two things off their chests! This hilariously graphic musical adventure takes a satirical swipe at a society that considers beauty to be only skin deep. www.simgproductions.com www.pbmusicals.com
We may be united by a love of musicals, but we’re separated by a span of 5 hours, thus their evening Torch Songs are our 3pm entertainment, and Weekend Breakfast is served at 2am our time. Hope you enjoy listening, whenever you can.
Happy Holidays.
