Norwich Theatre Talks S01 E7: Audrey Brisson from The Land of Might-Have-Been

Welcome to our podcast corner! In this episode, Stephen Crocker interviews Audrey Brisson and Iain Farrington about The Land of Might-Have-Been, a brand new musical produced by Norwich Theatre and Buxton International Festival.

The summer is hot and life is bright for fearless Vera, her brother Edward, and friends Bobbie and Roland. In Buxton 1914, the four are feeling playful, optimistic and are falling in love.

Vera Brittain: feisty, intelligent, feminist. She wants to go to Oxford University, but for now must attend the debutante dances of the day. Witty and headstrong, she is caught off guard when she meets her match in more ways than one and falls in love with romantic poet, Roland.

Her brother Edward is a player (not just of the piano!). He’s full of lust and longing for brooding Bobbie, but in 1914 a gay relationship would be illegal. Should they follow their hearts and risk everything?

Join us in the Land of Might-Have-Been as we follow young love through a fun, steamy summer… but with the storm clouds of war looming on the horizon.

With the songs of Ivor Novello – the Andrew Lloyd Webber of his day – including ‘We’ll Gather Lilacs,’ ‘Glamorous Night’ and ‘Buxton Ragtime Band’ plus additional compositions by Iain Farrington, who was recently commissioned as a composer for the King’s Coronation. If you enjoy the passion of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, you will love this.

The Land of Might-Have-Been is the brand new, spirited musical produced by Norwich Theatre and Buxton International Festival, with all the love and desire of Bridgerton, the glitz and glamour of The Great Gatsby, incredible dance routines and a story inspired by the early years of a passionate, inspirational woman.

Four young people falling in love and a summer that would change the world.

As always, we'll also introduce you to a member of our team at the Norwich theatre - Dec Matwij, our Head of AV.