Ushers The Front of House Musical.
The Other Palace Theatre Studio 2024
Music by Yiannis Koutsakos
Lyrics by James Oban & Yiannis Koutsakos
Book & Additional Lyrics by James Rottger
The 10 year anniversary of Ushers the Front of House Musical. Front of house staff are the heroes of the theatre world, all with ambition and dreams to be working on the stage. ‘Ushers’ sees Lucy join the team at Theatre Nation and experience her first shift as an Usher. Meeting couple Gary and Ben, going through a tough time in their relationship. Stephen who has just come back from touring, Rosie, a wannabe tik too influencer and leading man fanatic. There all trying to get through their shift, lead by their theatre manager, opera singer, has been Robin. Featuring original songs and tons of West End jokes.
Director - Max Reynolds
Choreographer - Adam Haigh
Musical Director - Dean Austin
Set and Costume Designer - Reuben Speed
Lighting Designer - Jack Weir
Sound Designer - Chris Reid
Assistant Director - Carly Thoms
Assistant Choreographer - Rhianna Goodwin
Company Stage Manager - Lauren Street
Carpenter - HK Scenic
Produced by James Steel Productions
Photo Credit - Craig Fuller
Sister Act The Musical
The Bernie Grant - Urdang Academy 2024
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Glenn Slater
Book by Bill & Cheri Steinkellner
Based on the film Sister Act by Joseph Howard
After witnessing a murder, nightclub singer Deloris has to hide from her boyfriend Curtis. To keep her safe she put into the witness protection and is now hiding in the local convent, much to Mother Superiors disgust. But can they put their differences aside as Deloris’ singing talent might help to save the convent and offer a lesson in not to judge one another.
Co Directors & Choreographers - Myles Brown and Craig Stein
Musical Director - Will Joy
Set Design - Emily Bestow
Costume Design - Reuben Speed
Lighting Design - Alex Marshall
Sound Design- Andy Johnson
Company Stage Manager - Meghan Bartul Smyth
Deputy Stage Manager - Alex Holmes
Assistant Stage Manager - Jo Musgrave
Wardrobe Supervisor - Kay Hill
Photo Credit - Danny Kaan
A Very Very Bad Cinderella.
The Other Palace Theatre Studio 2023.
‘This is the real Cinderella story direct from the mouths of those so called Ugly Sisters’. A brand new funny, rude and a little bit naughty retelling of the classic story. Featuring many West End musical numbers, special guest appearances and hilarious jokes, plus time travelling silver toilets. This isn’t Cinderella, this is a very very bad Cinderella.
Written by Neil Hurst and Jodie Prenger
Director - Lizzy Connolly
Set & Costume Designer - Reuben Speed
Lighting Designer - Jack Weir
Video Designer - Sam Diaz
Sound Designer - Rob Atkinson
Musical Director - Lauren Hopkinson
Company Stage Manager - Freddy Sherwood
Production Manager - Ryan Watson
Produced by The Other Palace.
Photo credit - Danny Kaan
Boy Out The City
The Lyric Theatre 2023. UK Tour 2024
Written and co created by Declan Bennett
Co created and Directed by Nancy Sullivan
Set Designer - Reuben Speed
Lighting Designer - Alex Lewer
Soud Designer - Max Pappenheimer
Produced by Lauren Reed Productions and Paul Taylor Mills
Photo Credit - Colin J Smith
For the first West End Queer Season, a double bill that included Declan Bennetts one man show. How to deal with being left alone during the pandemic, struggling with your career as you can’t perform and you have just moved to Watlington, Oxford. flashbacks of growing up in Coventry and your mothers irish roots, dealing with sexuality and acceptance. Declan, explores his darkest thoughts creating a new piece of live theatre.
Twos the Night Before Christmas,
Godstone Farm 2023,
Written and adapted by Alistair Lindsey and Richard
All through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. But how will Jolly get home for Christmas after she has been finishing off making toys for Santa so he can give them to all the boys and girls. This delightful new show, features, music and dancing and a little but of magic. Perfect for the little ones first experience of live theatre.
Director - Liv Byrom
Set and Costume Designer - Reuben Speed
Lighting Designer - Alistair Lindsey
Photo credit - Michaela Walshe
Kin The Musical
The Theatre Technis 2023
Written by Emil Dale & Stefan Kelk
A brand new British Musical set in the 1980s, sees Noah struggling between his head and his heart as he infiltrates a cult that has brought a ranch in their town. The Kin seem to be an all red wearing peaceful community but not is all as it seems and is the leader, Marilyn, being truthful about the community?
Musical arrangements & Orchestrations by Peter Mitchell and Stefan Kelk
Director - Emil Dale
Choreographer - Shay Barclay
Musical Director - Peter Mitchell
Set Designer - Justin Williams
Costume Designer - Reuben Speed
Lighting Designer - Alex Musgrave
Sound Designer - Steve Jonas
Props Designer and manager - William Hamilton Tige
Associate Director - Daniel Slade
Associate Choreographer - Lauren Stroud
Assistant Choreographer - Christina Shand
Associate Costume Designer - Carly Brownbridge
Company Manager - Beatrice Pryor
Production Manager - Luke Hyde
Deputy Stage Manager - Bethany Fulcher
Photo Credit - Danny Kaan
Trompe L’Oeil
The Other Palace Studio 2023
Book, Music & Lyric by Henry Parkman Biggs
Donald J Trump makes a bargain with Vladimir to become the next President of The United States. Completely bewilded Demi can’t believe that this could have happened neither can the rest of the democrats, has everything just become a bit too Surreal… Don’t say it. This madcap musical fuses elements of circus, comedy, The President, the art movement and a whole lot more, resulting in a fun and bizarre new musical.
Director & Choreographer - Blair Anderson
Music - Preston Jones
Music Supervisor - Mark Crossland
Musical Director - Georgia Rawlins
Associate Choreographer - Thomas Ashton
Set Desiger - Justin Williams
Costume Designer - Reuben Speed
Lighting Designer - Jack Weir
Sound Designer - Mike Thacker
Production Manager - John Rowland
Company Stage Manager - Alice Wood
Assistant Stage Manger - Amelia Costello
Produced by Funky Tickle Productions
Photo Credit - Danny Kaan
Welcome to flat 15B.
A brand new British musical written by Jennifer Harrison and George Stroud, sees 8 individual strangers moving in to university halls together in their first year. The story follows their year, with ups and downs from parties, love interests and arguments over who has stolen who’s milk! Directed by award winning Director (Heathers the Musical) Andy Fickman, brings this new story to life.
Music by George Stroud
Book and Lyrics by Jennifer Harrison
Turbine Theatre, 2023
Directed by Andy Fickman
Designed by Reuben Speed
Lighting designed by Alistair Lindsey
Photo credit by Danny Kaan
The London musical revival of Stiles and Drewe ‘Betty Blue Eyes’ at The Union Theatre, directed by Sasha Regan. Based on the Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray motion picture ‘A Private Function’. Set post World War 2 where food rationing continues, foot chiropodist Gilbert Chilvers and his wife Joyce, are snubbed by the local town councillors. Joyce’s ambitions to become part of the elite group, enthrals the couple into stealing the pig, intended for the local celebration meal for the Royal Wedding.
Written by Daniel Lipman and Ron Cowen.
Music and Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
Based on the motion picture by Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray.
The Union Theatre 2023
Directed by Sasha Regan
Choreographed by Kasper Cornish
Musical Directed by Aaron Clingham
Set and Costume by Reuben Speed
Lighting Design by Alistair Lindsey
Stage managed by Jack Evans
Photo Credit: Michaela Walshe
Work It a dance showcase. Institute of Contemporary Theatre in Manchester, hip hop strand dance showcase. The design represented a timeless amphitheatre that created an arena, in the second act the curved structure breaks up, representing that the designated space has been distorted and the flow of the action utilises the whole space.
Directed by Mckenzie Allison
Choreography by Toni Lomas
Set by Reuben Speed
Costume design by Melissa Young
Lighting design by Emma Parkinson
Photo Credit by Grant Archer
Based off Steven King’s novel which sees a repressed teenage girl seek revenge on her tormenters at the school prom using her newly developed telekinesis powers, told through the only surviver Sue Snell. Performed by Urdang Academy Students at The Bernie Arts Centre
Written by Lawrence Cohen
Music and Lyrics by Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford.
Directed by Rob Archibald
Choreography by Chris Tendai
Musical Directed by Ian Brandon
Set Design by Emily Bestow
Costume by Reuben Speed
Lighting design by Devante Benjamin
photo credit by Seamus Ryan.
Over 65 scenes, 100 characters and 7 sections ‘Love and Information’ exposes cross sections of human lives and interactions. Performed by the third year students of The Institute of Contemporary Theatre in Manchester. The set design consisted of a clinical blank canvas space that could adapt into creating these mini locations. It had to feel organic but also hallucinogenic in a dream like way, as an audience we only see snippets of the conversation, so we only see the snippets of the location.
Written by Caryl Churchill
Directed by Nathan Crossan Smith
Designed by Reuben Speed
Lighting by Adam Martin.
photos by Grant Archer
A one woman play about Chloe a female boxer living and training in a man’s dominated world. Performing this as an ensemble piece and fusing hip hop into the world of female boxing. The design consisted of a 10ft by 20ft concrete wall represented the challenges the lead faces, but also this urban territory for the story to unfold. Performed by the third year students at Institute of Contemporary Theatre.
Written by Charlotte Josephine
Directed by Nathan Crossan Smith
Choreographed by Adele Ignlis
Set Design by Reuben Speed
Costume design by Melissa Young
Lighting Design by Emma Parkinson
Photo Credit by Grant Archer
OFFIE AWARD WINNING 2023 for Costume Design.
Christopher Marlowe’s infamous play about one mans desire to know all and makes a pact with a demon. Performed at The Southwark Playhouse by Lazarus Theatre company.
Written by Christopher Marlowe
Adapted and Directed by Ricky Dukes.
Set Design by Sorcha Corcoran
Costume Design by Reuben Speed
Lighting Design by Stuart Glover
Sound Design and Composer by Bobby Locke
Photo Credit by Charlie Flint
A new musical performed by the students of London School of Musical theatre. Princess Phyllida’s decides to run away from her home country with her tutor in tow and maid to England. They travel to a Somerset village where they are suffering from a terrible drought, but the locals mistake Phyllida for their prophet who will save them all from the drought. Madness enthrals and soon her betrothed prince is hot on their heels with only two weeks to return her to Royal family.
Music by Charles Miller, Book and Lyrics by Tim Sanders.
Directed by Fenton Gray
Choreographed by Bibi Jay
Designed by Reuben Speed.
Photo Credit by Steve Gregson
‘Time’ was working closely with the Raw London, drama school in Camden, the show was created 7 short plays that spanned across decades and centuries. I wanted the design to focus on a space that would have literally been multi purpose throughout the decades and have been involved in all of those stories. I wanted to explore the imprints we leave and how in the future people navigate this.
Written and directed by Robbi Stevens and Abbi Elliot
Designed by Reuben Speed
Lighting by Nick Duncan
Photo credit by Kristin Data and Abbi Elliot
Working alongside Chrissy Cartwright to create the distinctive looks for the MA Musical Theatre Agent Showcase. Designing and styling over 40 different numbers and over nearly 120 different costumes in a tight time frame and small budget.
Directed by Chrissy Cartwright
Musical Director - Martin Lowe
Costumes by Reuben Speed
Lighting by Charlie Morgan Jones
Assistant costume designer - David Spence
Wardrobe supervisor - Eliza Nelson
Make up and Hair - Casey Martin
Photo credit by Craig Fuller
Gilbert and Sullivan’s hilarious opera takes on new life in Sasha Regan Award Nominated All Male HMS Pinafore. Set on a naval vessel as the sailors unwind this show in a unique and fun way. The Production toured across England and was also a finalist nominated at the Best Opera at the Off Westend awards 2023.
Written by Gilbert and Sullivan.
Directed by Sasha Regan
Musical Directed by Ashley Jacobs
Choreography by Lizzie Gee
Design by Ryan Dawson Laight
Lighting by Ben Bull
Associate design by Reuben Speed
Photo credit by Mark Senior
Gilbert and Sullivan famous comedy opera, that see’s a wondering minstrel who falls in love with the High Lord Lieutenant fiancé. In this modern adaptation the story unfolds around a 1950’s boys scouting trip camp.
Music and Lyrics by Gilbert and Sullivan.
Directed by Sasha Regan
Choreographed by Adam Haigh
Musical Director by Anto Buckley
Designed by Ryan Dawson Laight
Lighting by Alistair Lindsey
Associate designer by Reuben Speed
Photo credit by Mark Senior
What if Shakespeare didn’t write his work? What if Christopher Marlowe didn’t die?
Marlowe’s fate, explores the narrative that Christopher Marlowe was behind all of Shakespeare’s work, after he faked his own death and fled the country. Puppets, scheming and comedy are all in this new play, asking the question whether it was really Shakespeare or did Marlowe survive.
Written and directed by Peter Hodges.
The White Bear Theatre
Set Designed by Reuben Speed
Lighting designed by Harvey Nowak-Green
Costume Design by Penn O’Gara
Photography by Benji Powers.
Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun, is based on the life and times of Annie Oakley, a sharp gun slinger. Who impresses Buffalo Bill and head line attraction Frank Butler where they think they can get Annie to join their travelling show to save it from bankruptcy. Annie get her adventure and sees the world and even manages to get herself a man. Featuring broadway classics such as ‘There’s no business like show business’, ‘Anything you can do I can do better’ and ‘I’ve got the sun in the morning’. Reuben produced this musical on his families farm in response to the pandemic in 2021.
Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin
Book by Herbert and Dorothy Fields.
Directed and Choreographed by Joel Montague
Designed by Reuben Speed.
Photo credit by Duncan Richardson
March 2020, Hedda Gabler was the project I was working on before the pandemic, we were in costume fittings on Monday 16th March, at 5pm the theatres were closed. This project didn’t remount after the pandemic however, these are some of my costume drawings for the show.
Hedda Gabler
Written by Henrik Isben
Directed by Ricky Dukes
The Greenwich Theatre.
Set in an alternate world where Germany has won the Battle of Britain, a group of Londoner’s meet in a pub in Sloane Square to try and bring down the occupiers.
Written by Noel Coward
Directed and adapted by Phil Wilmott
Set Design by Reuben Speed
Costume Design by Penn O’Gara
Lighting Design by Harvey Now-Green
Photo credit by Phil Swallow.
Lionel Bart’s musical set during the London Blitz. The story follows Mrs Blitzenstein and her family during this difficult time and the rivalry of fellow stall holder Alfie Locke.
Book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart.
Directed by Phill Wilmott
Choreographed by Daniel Maguire
Musical Directed by Rosa Lennox.
Set Design by Reuben Speed
Costume Design by Penn O’Gara
Lighting Design by Harvey Nowak-Green
Photo Credit by Mark Senior
Set at Rugby School in the 1940’s, this adaptation sees Tom Brown navigate his way through his first year at the private school. From making friends with Harry East, enemies with the upper sixth student Flashman and creating a bond with his mentor, headmaster Dr Thomas Arnold.
Based on the novel by Thomas Hughes.
Adapted and Directed by Phil Wilmott.
Set Design by Reuben Speed
Costume Design by Penn O’Gara
Lighting Design by Ben Bull
Musical Directed by Ralph Warman.
Photo Credit by Mark Senior
Based on Mary Hayley Bell novel, Cathy Bostock and her siblings Nan and Charles mistake a mysterious man who they find in their farm shed as Jesus Christ.
Based on the novel by Mary Hayley Bell
And the Screenplay by Willis Hall and Keith Waterhouse
And the Film by Richard Attenborough and Bryan Forbes
Adapted by Russell Labey and Richard Taylor
With Lyrics and Music by Richard Taylor
The Union Theatre
Directed by Sasha Regan
Music Directed by Rosa Lennox
Set Design by Justin Williams
Costume Design by Reuben Speed
Lighting Design by Hector Murray
Photo Credit by Mark Senior
Love transcends all, ‘Hello Again’ follows 10 characters and their love affairs through the ten different decades of the 20th Century. Based on the play ‘La Ronde’ by Arthur Schnitzler, Michael John LaChiusa musical is a modern adaptation of how love is timeless.
Based on the book by ‘La Ronde’ by Arthur Schnitzler
Lyrics, music and bok by Michael John LaChiusa
Directed by Paul Callen,
Costume designed by Reuben Speed
Lighting designed by Ben Bull
Musical Directed by Henry Brennan
Choreographed by Genevieve Leeney
Photo credit by Mark Senior
Best friends and showgirls Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw are both after a man to marry. Lorelei believes, that marrying a man should be due to his wealth, especially to maintain her passion for diamonds. Dorothy believes, marrying a man should be down to his looks and fitness. They board a ship for France crossing the Altanic and on their journey meet different characters that make them rethink their views on the position of marriage.
Book by Joseph Fields and Anita Loos, Lyrics by Leo Robin and Music by Jule Styne.
The Union Theatre
Directed by Sasha Regan
Choreographed by Zak Nemorin
Set Designed by Justin Williams
Costume Designed by Penn O’Gara
Lighting Designed by Hector Murray
Musical Directed by Henry Brennan
Associate Costume Designed by Reuben Speed
Photo Credit by Mark Senior
When Harry a shoe sales man receives information about his estranged uncle Tony death and he is informed he has been left his fortune in his will. But to receive this he has to go to take the body of his uncle on holiday to Monte Carlo and complete a few tasks, however if he doesn’t complete them then it will be left to a dog charity and Annabel from the charity is there making sure he completes the tasks. Also hot on their tails is Rita, Tony’s ex lover and her brother Vinnie, trying to get back the money Tony stole whilst he was alive.
Music By Stephen Flaherty, The Union Theatre
Lyrics and book by Lynn Ahrens
The Union Theatre
Directed by Paul Callen
Designed by Reuben Speed
Choreographed by Jamie Neale
Musical Directed by Richard Barker
Lighting designed by Sam Waddington
Photo credit by Scott Ryland
Working closely with the New Vic Borderlines Youth Group, High Flyers is a brand new verbatim musical that challenges what it is like as a young person growing up today, with matters that are important to them. Focusing on school, climate change and pressures of growing up in a world which is broken and left for their generation to fix.
New Vic Theatre
Directed by Ellie Taylor
Designed by Reuben Speed
Lighting Designed by Daniella Beattie
Photo credit - A Billington
John a Christ like person has returned from disappearing for a short time, preaching an anti war movement. 13 random strangers from all walks of life strangers and friends who have connected with John, keep having the same dream, should they follow him or not.
Written by Mike Bartlett,
The Embassy Theatre
Directed by Daniel Bird
Set by Reuben Speed
Costume by Carmel Hall
Lighting designed by Lauren Woodhead
Sound designed by Joe Dines
Video projection design by Santiago Yago
Photo Credit by Patrick Baldwin
Set in 1920s Berlin ‘Grand Hotel’ sees a multitude of guests from an ageing ballerina, a Baron, an inspiring actress, an ill book keeper spending his life savings to live in luxury to a doctor, struggling from his injuries from the first world war. All isn’t as it seems though with gangsters and a thief who also check in to the hotel.
Book by Luther Davies
Music & lyricis by Robert Wright, George Forrest & Maury Yeston,
The Embassy Theatre
Directed by Anthony Banks
Musical Directed by Wendy Gardin
Designed by James Cotterill
Assistant designed by Reuben Speed
Photo credit by Patrick Baldwin
Mike and Joyce are a poor couple living in a bedsit in East London. Mike an ex boxer and Roman Catholic from Donegal, is currently on the dole and working as a white van man. His wife, Joyce an ex-prostitute and protestant from London is one day home alone when a mysterious young man called Wilson is enquiring about a room.
Written by Joe Orton
Directed by Paul Clayton
Designed by Rachael Ryan
Assisted designed by Reuben Speed
Lighting designed by Chris McDonnell
Photo credit by Anthony Orme
Shakespeare famous supernatural Scottish tragedy performed in an intimate setting. One stormy night, Macbeth’s future has been foretold by the three weird sisters. Encouraged by his wife Lady Macbeth, nothing will get in his way from their ambition and desire to become King.
Written by William Shakespeare,
The Brockley Jack
Directed by Thomas Attwood
Designed by Reuben Speed
Movement by Roman Berry
Lighting designed by Ben Jacobs
Sound designed by Elliot Clay
Photo credit by Rob Youngson
