Books
Cambridge Companion to the Musical edited by William Everett and Paul Laird (Cambridge University Press, 2002)
Accessible introduction written by specialists in the field of musical theatre. Aimed at both students and theatregoers, it offers a guide to the history and development of the musical in England and America, including coverage of New York's Broadway and London's West End traditions.
Musicals by Kurt Ganzl (Carlton Books, September 2004)
The stage musical today stands at the centre of popular culture once again, with both new musicals and fresh revivals of old favourites packing in audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. This book charts each significant turn in the development of musical theatre, through over 300 photographs and incisive, informative text.
Singing and the Actor by Gillyanne Hayes (A & C Black, September 2004)
Classical singing training is no longer relevant for the theatre performer today. So how does an actor train his singing voice? Now in its second edition, this practical handbook takes the reader through a step-by-step training programme relevant to the modern singing actor and dancer.
The Virgin Encyclopaedia of Stage and Film Musicals edited by Colin Larkin (Virgin Books, 1999)
A guide to the greatest shows and films in the history of the musical, as well as their stars, lyricists and composers. Over 1,600 entries provide facts, figures and critical opinion on all aspects of the field.
Links
Musical Stages Online
www.musicalstages.co.uk
Official companion to the UK's only musical theatre magazine, the site has news, reviews, listings, publications and a good page of links.
Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD)
www.rsamd.ac.uk
The RSAMD, based in Glasgow, offers the only UK postgraduate degree in musicals, called Master of Performance in Musical Theatre.
Training
www.theatrenet.co.uk/links/
An excellent list of links to places across the UK where you can train in the performing arts. This consists of schools, colleges and members of the Conference of Drama Schools.
UK Theatre Web
www.uktw.co.uk
Great site with show listings, tickets, news and links to amateur and professional organisations for the performing arts across the UK. There is also a 'Jobs and Training' section.
Youth Arts Online
www.youthartsonline.org/
There is a section on this site for young people interested in 'Music and Singing', with a list of courses run across the UK.
Channel 4 Film's 100 Greatest Musicals
www.channel4.com/film/newsfeatures/microsites/M/musicals/
During autumn 2003, viewers of Channel 4 voted for their favourite film and stage musicals and this site gives a run-down of which song-and-dance spectaculars were voted as the best ever.
