A new musical adaption from book to stage is currently having it's UK premiere, the coming-of-age story Becoming Nancy is playing at the Birmingham Rep, and is directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell and adapted by Elliot Davis with music by George Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe.
In this Behind the Curtain interview I speak to Becoming Nancy's original book writer Terry Ronald to find out more about this page to stage adaption.
Could you tell us what ‘Becoming Nancy’ is about?
It’s about a teenage boy in the late 1970’s who gets cast as Nancy in the school production of Oliver! The story follows his struggle to find himself through playing the role and discovering love with another boy, who is playing Bill Sykes in the show. It also follows David’s friend Frances and her fight against racism within the school.
What inspired you to write the original book of ‘Becoming Nancy’? And what was it about that particular inspiration that made you want to write?
I was inspired by things that happened to me when I was at school as the book is semi-autobiographical, and by my friends of the time and family and, of course, the music of the era. I wanted to write because I had been writing songs in the pop music industry for a long time, but after having cancer in 2002, I started to write and change direction in my career. This was the story I always wanted to tell.
Could you tell us how the idea of adapting your novel to a musical came about?
Director, Jerry Mitchell read the book on a plane from London to New York and decided he wanted to turn it into a musical. It was quite magical for me when he called me about it, and he has been laser-focused at making it happen.
How do you feel about ‘Becoming Nancy’ being adapted to the stage? And did you ever think it would be a musical?
I didn’t imagine it, no. I hoped it would be something, a film or TV show, but I am very happy with what it has become. I was over the moon when it came about.
Your background is in music from writing, producing to vocal arranging and coaching - how did you transition into writing a book?
I was good at writing at school, but hadn’t done much since. I took a creative writing course to hone my skill, and I was very lucky that I got a literary agent through writing Becoming Nancy and a book deal. I believe that you have to be up for trying anything if it's a passion. Just go for it! I still write and produce pop music sometimes.
Which do you prefer, singing, song writing, producing, or writing (books/play)?
I love doing anything creative, but I'm really loving working on musicals at the moment. I have written another musical called 'The Most Beautiful Man In New York', which is in the workshop stages and very dark and different to Becoming Nancy. On that one, I wrote the book and co-wrote all the music. I need to write another novel, but a lot of my time is taken up with writing with and for celebs on their autobiographies!
As the writer of the original book, describe how it felt when you first heard the songs and read the script?
Elliot who wrote the script has a similar humour to me, so I loved his script. I also loved so many of the original songs - my favourites are, 'Is This Something’ and ‘Where Do We Go From Here’. They still make me cry! I'm also very happy to have been asked to write seven new songs for the show with the creative team. It's a super-strong score with the mix of original and new songs.
How does it feel to have a UK premiere of the show? And what should fans expect from this stage adaptation?
I’m excited and nervous (but more excited) to put it in front of a UK audience finally. There were certain things from the book that wouldn't have worked on stage, so it is an adaptation, but the heart of the story is all there. Before it was simply my book as a musical, but now, being in the creative team, it's my musical too, so it’s extra thrilling.
Where would you like to see ‘Becoming Nancy’ after the run in Birmingham?
Easy!! West End. Broadway. I don't mind which order!
Describe ‘Becoming Nancy’ the musical in one sentence or 3 words.
A fierce, joyful, funny, sometimes heart-breaking LGBT romance about finding your voice and standing up for who you are!
The UK premiere of Becoming Nancy plays at Birmingham Rep until 2nd November!
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