Mission:

To mount a first-class theatrical production for international touring.

Summary to Date:

Edinburgh-based composer Julian Wagstaff (The Turing Test) is developing a new show:  John Paul Jones is musical theatre on a grand scale.  It tells the story of the Scots-born hero of the American Revolution - a tale of triumph, tragedy, love and ambition.  Julian is working with David Williams to mount and tour John Paul Jones within the next three years because they believe the show has broad international appeal and commercial potential. 

John Paul Jones’ subject matter is universal, combining history, drama, and romance: themes of national duty against personal interest, questions of independence and liberty (political and personal) and, most of all, love (romantic and patriotic).

John Paul Jones has already gone through several development stages and has recently undergone a complete revision in collaboration with a London-based scriptwriter, creating a new libretto and piano/vocal score.  

Immediate Goals:

Our initial goal has already been achieved: it was to present two professional, semi-staged concerts at the Queen’s Hall Edinburgh (September 2010).  These concerts featured musicians of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra - one of Scotland’s leading professional orchestras, and singers from the Concert of Voices.  

The aim of these concerts was to showcase the musical to potential partners and investors and to raise awareness of the show in the media and among the general public.  

Long-term Goal:

Our aim is to create a Scottish-based production company from which we can mount and tour a fully staged production of John Paul Jones.  We calculate that the production will require in the region of £1,500,000 to capitalise (i.e. to create the show). 

In order to do this, we must find commercial investors (Angels), co-producers and project partners who are willing to join us on an exciting cultural (and hopefully commercially successful) adventure. 

Please contact us (and forward to anyone you think might be interested) if you would like to know more about the show and/or about becoming an Angel, sponsor, co-producer, project partner…

About Julian Wagstaff:

Julian Wagstaff (Poor Richard Productions) is a composer of classical music and musical theatre.  His credits include the opera The Turing Test, a sell-out hit on the 2007 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and his music has been performed and recorded by some of Scotland’s leading musicians and ensembles.  He is Composer in Residence at Kings Buildings, University of Edinburgh.

www.johnpauljonesmusical.com