The A-Z of Mrs P

The A-Z of Mrs P has just opened at the Southwark Playhouse. This is a long awaited, brand new British musical, with book by award winning playwright Diane Samuels (Kindertransport) and music and lyrics by Gwyneth Herbert.  It is a musical fable inspired by the diaries of Phyllis Pearsall, who invented the London A-Z.  

It is directed by Sam Buntrock and the cast includes Isy Suttie, Frances Ruffelle Michael Matus and Stuart Matthew Price.

Above is a beautiful paper sculpture used to advertise the show, by contemporary British artist Sue Blackwell.

The musical is produced by Neil Marcus, Paul Tyrer & Jamie Clark for the Booking Office and Micheal Peavoy Productions.  They had a  stroke of publicity genius getting Stanford's, the travel book and map shop, involved in the show!

I am really looking forward to going to see it on Saturday 15th March.  With this and Alex Loveless's show Bel-Ami opening within days of each other I feel so exciting to see my talented friends creating and producing new British shows of real craft and merit. As Neil Marcus says this is all part of the new British musical theatre Renaissance.  And if you want to be part of that don't forget the show is only running until 29th March!

This great theatre is easy to get to from either Borough or Elephant and Castle and only a short walk from either station.

For more information and tickets go to the Southwark Playhouse Website HERE

Reviews:

‘There’s a real heart to the production, particularly in its tender portrait of Pearsall, whom Isy Suttie invests with a stunning blend of the gauche and sincere, the knowing and the vulnerable.’ 
Mark Shenton, The Stage

‘Herbert’s character-driven score is accomplished — melodious (particularly the lilting and already award-winning Lovely London Town), articulate and fun, especially in the patter songs in which Suttie and company rattle off the street names to which the elusive, complicated Pearsall owed her livelihood.’ 
Donald Hutera, The Times

‘Isy Suttie has real charm – as does the whole show.’ 
The Independent

‘Isy Suttie has an appealing aura of wounded romanticism, as well as the air of a young Victoria Wood.’ 
Fiona Mountford, Evening Standard

‘Full of fresh, inventive touches. The way in which the ensemble enact the bustle of London life, becoming trains and taxis, is beautifully choreographed. The cast is top-notch. Isy Suttie is someone to root for, while a wild Frances Ruffelle and blustering Michael Matus are excellent as her feuding parents.’ 
Tom Wicker, Time Out