Welcome to the website of Julian Woolford and Richard John

RICHARD JOHN

COMPOSER AND MUSICAL DIRECTOR


Below you can find a summary of Richard’s recent work as a composer and musical director.
 
Richard is currently working as a freelance composer and musical director.

If you are interested in working with Richard please contact here.

 

THEATRICAL COMPOSITION

DEADLY GAME

(THEATRE SCORE, Solo piano, jazz trio)

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN

(MUSICAL, Piano, Keyboard, Marimba,  Vibraphone, Percussion, Harp, Bass)
 “…it is the musical numbers which truly make this show special. Some you feel you must have heard before, such is their quality, but all have been newly composed…[with Julian] Woolford, who has written the lyrics to Richard John’s memorable music…this production is destined to be a classic…” The Chronicle

THE LEGEND OF SNOW WHITE

(CHILDREN’S MUSICAL, midi ensemble)

KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN

(THEATRE SCORE, 2 pianos)
“A haunting piano soundtrack by Richard John beautifully underscores the moments of high drama...” The Courier

WIND IN THE WILLOWS

(MUSICAL, Piano, Marimba, Percussion, Acoustic Guitar, Bass)
 “A new musical adaptation, by Julian Woolford and Richard John, of Kenneth Grahame’s perennially popular children’s story is good natured and full of fun. John’s jaunty music, together with Woolford’s lyrics, play an effective part in the show’s storytelling.” The Times

THE ADVENTURES OF SINBAD THE SAILOR

(CHILDREN’S MUSICAL, midi ensemble)

SUNRISE

(THEATRE SCORE, Mezzo-soprano, Piano, soundscape)

OLD MOTHER HUBBARD

(CHILDREN’S MUSICAL, midi ensemble)

THE CENCI

(THEATRE SCORE, 2 pianos)


THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

(CHILDREN’S MUSICAL, Jazz Quartet)

LOVE ME

(THEATRE SCORE, soundscape)

FAMILY FOX

(CHILDREN’S MUSICAL, Piano, Keyboard, Guitar, Trumpet, Percussion, Bass)

THE CENTRE

(MUSICAL, Piano, Keyboard, Saxophones, Flute, Guitar, Percussion, Bass)
 


MUSICAL DIRECTION

“Richard John’s musical direction was inspired. The orchestra was superbly stylish…” Opera, Opera


DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN (AMD, Novello Theatre. London)

MAKE ME A SONG (AMD, New Players Theatre, London)

THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS (King’s Head, London)

WIND IN THE WILLOWS (Sevenoaks Playhouse, UK)

THE SMALL POPPIES (Company B, Australian National Tour)

2 PIANOS 4 HANDS (StageWorks,  Australian/New Zealand/Hong Kong Tour)

CORRUGATION ROAD (Black Swan Theatre, Australian National Tour)

THE MIDNIGHT GANG (WASO/Spare Parts Theatre, Australia)

MUSIC FROM THE WHIRLWIND (Hole In The Wall Theatre, Australia)

MARRY ME A LITTLE, SOME ENCHANTED EVENING

“Richard John’s musical direction made sure that the moods were established with a minimum of fuss. His accompaniments were superbly shaped to the singers’ requirements, and he also played his part in the narration with nonchalant ease” Opera, Opera SOME ENCHANTED EVENING

PACIFIC OVERTURES, ASSASSINS, THE CRADLE WILL ROCK, MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (WAAPA, Australia).

“Richard John’s musical direction was inspired. The orchestra was superbly stylish…” Opera, Opera, MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

“The arrangement for a band of four was expertly devised by Richard John, and he led a cogently-paced musical performance from the keyboards” Opera Magazine PACIFIC OVERTURES


“Richard John’s sensitive coaching, orchestration and musical direction ensures that the cast successfully negotiates the vocal demands of the difficult but apposite score, and inspires his small band with tight and effective leadership”  The West Australian PACIFIC OVERTURES

 
Richard is a Professional Writer Associate of Mercury Musical Developments, established in 1992 to support, develop and initiate new musical theatre in the UK and worldwide.