Sing a Song of Surrey

Karen Neville

A musical celebration of Surrey’s history is brought to life at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre next month

This summer, the stories of Surrey take centre stage in Sing a Song of Surrey – a one-of-a-kind musical event that brings the county’s rich history to life through the power of song.  

Featuring brand-new, original music inspired by Surrey’s most fascinating tales, the production has already received the royal seal of approval, with songs from the programme performed for HRH Prince Edward during a royal visit to Woking last November. 

Premiering for one night only on Sunday, 15th June at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, this special event showcases the work of 10 emerging songwriters from Surrey, selected following a county-wide callout in early 2024. From iconic landmarks to beloved local figures, their songs transform Surrey’s past into unforgettable melodies, performed by a West End cast and hosted by renowned lexicographer, author, and proud Woking native Susie Dent. 

Director Adam Lenson and Musical Director John Reddel lead this exciting production, with music and lyrics crafted by an incredible lineup of talent, including Josh Bird, Giles Fernando, Lisa Gaye, Philip Glassboro, Tom Gortler, Dominic Green, Jeff Thomson, Tamiko Mackison, Julie Tsang, and Sam Moshi, with the original theme composed by Lisa Gaye. 

Neil Marcus, Producer and Joint Course Leader of The Surrey Musical Theatre Development Programme, shares his excitement about the project: “Surrey is home to some truly exceptional emerging songwriters, and it’s incredibly exciting to be able to showcase their work on the Rhoda McGaw Theatre stage. This project has been a year in the making, and to see these original songs brought to life by such an outstanding cast is a real privilege. The dedication and creativity from our fantastic writers, alongside the incredible opportunity to perform three of these songs for HRH Prince Edward during his visit to Woking, have made this journey one to remember.” 

JJ Almond, Venue Director and co-creator of the project, said: “We’re so proud to see Sing a Song of Surrey come to life after months of hard work from all the creatives involved. What better place to showcase these stories than Woking’s own community hub, the Rhoda McGaw Theatre? We can’t wait to welcome audiences for what promises to be a unique celebration of Surrey’s vibrant history through song.” 

Proudly supported by ATG Entertainment, Arts Council England, and the Noël Coward Foundation, Sing a Song of Surrey is set to be an evening of history, heart, and unforgettable music.