All stories by George Francis on BroadwayStars

Sunday, February 26, 2012

In the pit: The importance of the keyboard set up by George Francis

In a typical orchestra pit of a West End or professional touring show now, it’s usual to have three, sometimes four, keyboards, however it is rarely the case that pianos are used. My …

SOURCE: A Younger Theatre at 07:26AM
Tuesday, January 31, 2012

In the Pit: What happens when there’s no room for the band? by George Francis

Have you ever turned up to a musical and thought, where’s the band? Perhaps there was an empty pit, or no pit at all? No appearance on stage? They are probably in a cramped room somewhere …

SOURCE: A Younger Theatre at 05:34PM
Saturday, January 7, 2012

In the pit: An insight into the life of a panto Musical Director by George Francis

After catching up with panto drummer Nick Anderson in my last blog, I thought I would have a chat with a musical director as the panto season draws to a close. Dean Austin has been Musical D…

SOURCE: A Younger Theatre at 04:38PM
Monday, November 28, 2011

In the Pit: The trials and tribulations of drumming for pantomime by George Francis

This week I’ve been catching up with Nick Anderson, a 17-year-old Plymouth-based drummer who’s already making a living playing on shows such as Annie and Rent. As panto season approa…

SOURCE: A Younger Theatre at 09:18AM
Saturday, November 12, 2011

In the Pit: The countdown to panto season by George Francis

Without cracking too many terrible “oh no it isn’t” puns, it’s nearly time for panto season again! With not long to go until the clock strikes twelve for Cinderella, or Peter Pan tak…

SOURCE: A Younger Theatre at 12:38PM
Sunday, November 6, 2011

In the Pit: A week in the life of a music director by George Francis

Since the last blog I’ve been the busiest I’ve ever been. It’s been production week and the actual show of Scousers on the Rampage, so I’ve laid this week’s blog out in a diary for…

SOURCE: A Younger Theatre at 11:31AM
Friday, October 14, 2011

In the Pit: A musician’s preparation for opening night by George Francis

Since my last blog detailing my role as Music Director for the variety show Scousers on the Rampage, we’ve had a great and very productive week in preparation for the opening night. Wi…

SOURCE: A Younger Theatre at 04:10PM
Saturday, October 1, 2011

In the Pit: The forgotten part of the show by George Francis

Every time I go to the theatre, I buy a programme and the first thing I do is turn to the page where the musicians are listed. Musicians are often the forgotten part of the show, and when th…

SOURCE: A Younger Theatre at 11:13AM