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There is so much to admire about Gus Gowland and his work. He is unusual in being a musical theatre writer from a working class background who writes shows and is passionate about helping others understand the genre. He is also fascinating to speak with as I discovered during our recent interview when we talked about his own work, the challenges those without money face trying to make a career in theatre and Gus’ views on how long shows should run.
Gus Gowland’s three produced shows all look at very different situations but they share a common humanity.
Pieces of String is about same sex relationships during World War 2 seen through the lens of a family discovering that their father/grandfather/husband had been in love with another man. The music in the show is beautifully layered and melodic which helps the show look at a grand theme from a very human perspective.
Check out the wonderful Standing in the Shadows from the show’s run at the Colchester Mercury Theatre.
Mayflies which was produced at York Theatre Royal looks at what would happen if we slowed down our online dating. Using the life of a mayfly as a metaphor the show explores a couple who only communicate online for two years before meeting. It is also constructed to have a rotating cast so that the audience sees diverse dynamics depending on the age, gender or sexuality of each character. It is a very clever piece that got some great reviews - but also a couple of puzzling critiques which Gus addresses in our interview.
Gowland’s latest show is Candidates which is being produced by the GSA Conservatoire directed by Julian Woolford. It is based on Much Ado About Nothing but transported to a modern day US High School. The writer describes it as a bit of an homage to High School Musical and Mean Girls and talks about how exciting it is to work with the young talent at GSA.
In our interview Gus talks about what he has learnt and how he deals with the frustrations of working in theatre. By sharing his experiences (good and bad) and offering well thought through and eloquent conclusions, Gus Gowland offers an insight into what it takes to be successful in musical theatre and inspires all who want to make it their life.
To find out more about Gus Gowland and his work click here:
Much of Gus Gowland’s work including Mayflies is available on Apple Music here: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gus-gowland/943840989
Follow Gus on Instagram @gustopherjones
And check out his work and online classes on You Tube Here
And if you want something special then check out Alice Fearn singing The Girl Next Door
Gus Gowland’s new book Contemporary British Musicals: ‘Out of the Darkness’ is available from Bloomsbury here
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Gus Gowland - Musical Theatre Writer and Composer