Local Hero (musical)


Local Hero is a musical with music and lyrics by Mark Knopfler, and a book by Bill Forsyth and David Greig. The musical is based on the 1983 film of the same name, written by Bill Forsyth. It tells the story of an American oil company representative who is sent to the fictional village of Furness on the west coast of Scotland to purchase the town and surrounding property for his company.

Background

The musical is based on the 1983 indie film Local Hero, written and directed by Bill Forsyth. The film was produced on a budget of just £3 million and won several awards including the 1984 BAFTA Award for Best Direction and the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Screenplay. It tells the story of an American oil company representative who is sent to the fictional village of Furness on the west coast of Scotland to purchase the town and surrounding property to build a new refinery.
On 3 February 2018, it was announced the play would receive its world premiere in spring 2019, thirty five years after the original film. It is expected to make its world premiere at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, before transferring to The Old Vic with whom it is a coproduction. The show has a book by original screenwriter Bill Forsyth, which has been adapted by Lyceum artistic director David Greig, direction by John Crowley,, movement direction by Lucy Hind, set and costume design by Scott Pask, lighting design by Paule Constable and video by Luke Halls. The musical features an original score and lyrics by Mark Knopfler, with sound design by Paul Arditti, musical supervision by Dave Milligan and music direction by Phil Bateman.

Production history

Local Hero began previews at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh on 14 March 2019, with an official opening night on 23 March, booking for a limited period until 20 April. Due to demand the run was extended until 4 May. Notable casting included Damian Humbley as Mac, Katrina Bryan as Stella, Matthew Pidgeon as Gordon, and Simon Rouse as Happer.
The production was due to transfer to The Old Vic, London where it was scheduled to begin previews 18 June 2020, with an official opening night on 1 July, booking for a limited period until 22 August. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, however, The Old Vic announced in April 2020 that the production was being postponed, with no revised dates given at that time.

Musical numbers

;Act I
;Act II