Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre have announced the cast for their landmark new co-production for 2023, The Land of Might-Have-Been, which opens on 7 July. 

This new musical is built around the songs of Ivor Novello and is loosely based on incidents in the early life of Buxton’s pioneering feminist and pacifist Vera Brittain and the lives, loves and stories of those closest to her.

The role of Vera Brittain will be played by West End actor Audrey Brisson (Amélie the Musical, West End), alongside Alexander Knox (A Merchant of Venice, Playground Theatre) as Roland Leighton, Vera’s doomed fiancée, George Arvidson (Les Miserables, West End) as Edward Brittain, Vera’s brother, who courts death rather than face being court marshalled for his sexuality, and Kit Esuroso (Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, West End) as Bobby, Vera’s friend and Edward’s secret lover.

Other roles are played by Stuart Pendred, Bernadine Pritchett, Elin Davies, Julie Teal, Boaz Chad, Richard Woodall, Helen Maree, Julia Mariko, Tobias Camposs Antinaque and Charlie St John.     

The Land of Might-Have-Been, with a book and lyrics by Michael Williams, follows on from the success of another Buxton-inspired triumph, Williams’ award-winning opera, Georgiana.  It is the first co-production between Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre. It will be directed by Kimberley Sykes, conducted by Iwan Davies, set and costumes designed by Nicky Shaw, lighting by Jake Wiltshire, sound by Declan Matwij and choreography by Nathan M Wright.  Iain Farrington has arranged Ivor Novello’s songs, including ‘My Dearest Dear’, ‘Waltz of My Heart’, ‘My Life Belongs To You’ and ‘Why Is There Ever Goodbye’, for the Northern Chamber Orchestra.   

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