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Denis King

DENIS KING   

Nationality:   English    Email:   Click here to contact    Website:   Click here to visit

Literary Agent:  Macnaughton Lord Representation (Theatrical and Literary Agents)  

Denis was born in Hornchurch, Essex and began his musical career at the age of six as a banjo-playing singer at children's matinees. By the age of thirteen, he was part of one of the most successful British pop groups of the 50s and 60s, The King Brothers. With the disbanding of the group in 1968, he studied orchestration at the Guildhall School of Music in London and soon got his first break as a television composer with the theme for BLACK BEAUTY, which won the Ivor Novello Award. To date, he has created themes and incidental music for over two hundred television series including WE'LL MEET AGAIN, DICK TURPIN, HANNAY, WISH ME LUCK and LOVEJOY. His debut as a theatrical composer was with the Royal Shakespeare's production of PRIVATES ON PARADE (book and lyrics by Peter Nichols) which won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Musical. Other theatre productions include BASHVILLE (with Benny Green), first produced at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, VALENTINE'S DAY (with Benny Green), LOST EMPIRES and WORZEL GUMMIDGE (with Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall), and WIND IN THE WILLOWS, TREASURE ISLAND (with Willis Hall), STEPPING OUT - THE MUSICAL (book by Richard Harris and lyrics by Mary Stewart-David), BABY ON BOARD (book and lyrics by Mary Stewart-David), A SAINT SHE AIN'T (book and lyrics by Dick Vosburgh), WHENEVER and ORVIN (book and lyrics by Alan Ayckbourn). As a performer, he has appeared with Maureen Lipman in her successful stage show RE:JOYCE, and with Dick Vosburgh in their revue SING SOMETHING SILLY.

Plays by Denis King

DENIS KING

Awakening Beauty

1st Produced:

Scarborough: Stephen Joseph Theatre, England, EUR >>>

2008

Company:

Alan Ayckbourn

1st Published:

Samuel French, London (2010) >>>

ISBN/ASIN:

978-0573180026

Music:

-

doollee no

#87304

To Buy This Play:

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Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

5

Female

5

Parts other:

-

Notes:

Words by Alan Ayckbourn, music by Denis King

Awakening Beauty

Ever wondered what else happened to Sleeping Beauty when she finally woke up in the 21st century? Alan Ayckbourn provides the answer with this alternative seasonal fare in the musical Awaking Beauty. The Prince awakens Princess Aurora and the eager, happy young couple are about to embark on their first night of passionate love when ugly, unloved Carabosse, the wicked witch, butts in having taken a fancy to the Prince. But which one will be the Awaking Beauty? Love, lust, triplets and the ultimate in makeovers are just some of the milestones our heroes and heroines must pass before they can all live happily ever after.

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

Baby On Board

1st Produced:

Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, UK >>>

1998

Company:

n/a

1st Published:

I don't think it has been published. Try emailing Playwright or Agent where listed at top of page.

ISBN/ASIN:

-

Music:

-

doollee no

#47761

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

2

Female

4

Parts other:

chorus

Notes:

Book & Lyrics by Mary Stewart-David; Music by Denis King

Synopsis:

TOBY is ten months old - going on forty-five. He can't talk yet, but he's got a lot to say - about the state of his parents' marriage, and his relationship with a woman four times his age - his sister INDIA. Of course no one can hear what TOBY really thinks - except us. This is the story of twelve months in the life of MEL and HILLARY BROWN as observed and interpreted by their pre-school children

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

Bashville

1st Produced:

Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park, London >>>

1983

Company:

n/a

1st Published:

Samuel French, London,

ISBN/ASIN:

-

Music:

-

doollee no

#49324

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

10

Female

2

Parts other:

many extras

Notes:

Book & lyrics by Benny Green and David William; Music by Denis King

Synopsis:

A classy and clever musical send-up of just about everything from English class structure to Shakespeare, based on George Bernard Shaw's one-act satirical play "The Admirable Bashville"-itself a burlesque of his own novel about boxing "Cashel Byron's Profession". Green and King have found a formula derived from small scale musical comedy which admirably matches the mood of inflated emotions, preposterous rhetoric, and romantic declamations

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

Lost Empires

1st Produced:

Cambridge Theatre Company, Cambridge

1985

Company:

n/a

1st Published:

I don't think it has been published. Try emailing Playwright or Agent where listed at top of page.

ISBN/ASIN:

-

Music:

-

doollee no

#49425

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

15

Female

4

Parts other:

-

Notes:

Book & lyrics by Keith Waterhouse & Willis Hall, Music by Denis King

Synopsis:

Adapted from J.B. Priestley's great backstage saga, set in the dying music halls just prior to World War I. The story of young Richard Herncastle, who goes to work for his uncle, the illusionist Ganga Dun, and learns along the way a lot more than he's expecting to about vanishing ladies, sex, showbusiness, and warfare. The score is redolent of greasepaint and bad digs and Scunthorpe first house on a Monday night, and conjures up a lost world of music hall in deep and utter authenticity.

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

One Night a Week

1st Produced:

- - -

- - -

Company:

n/a

1st Published:

Samuel French, Inc - New York (2011)

ISBN/ASIN:

978-0-573-69907-8

Music:

-

doollee no

#124289

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

1

Female

9

Parts other:

-

Notes:

Book by Richard Harris, Lyrics by Mary Stewart-David, and Music by Denis King

One Night a Week

A revised version of the hit musical Stepping Out, this good-natured comedy from Richard Harris chronicles several months in the life of a beginning dance class. Each of the eight students, who come from a variety of backgrounds, has his or her own reason for joining. For instance, Maxine, a confident, fast-talking saleswoman (and former Ovaltine dancer), is there on doctor's orders, while self-sacrificing Andy participates because it is the only thing she does for herself. Whatever the cause, they make a point of coming every week to chat, relax and, if they can manage to, learn a couple of dance steps. Led by Mavis, their eternally patient instructor, and accompanied by the acerbic pianist Mrs. Fraser, the students (who range from hopeless to competent) strive to master the basics of dance. But the steps and routines are just the background for the real focus of the play - the relationships and interactions of these ten very different people. By their final performance, not only have the class members developed some degree of skill, but they have also overcome the inhibitions, awkwardness and personality conflicts that have kept them out of sync.

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

Orvin - Champion of Champions

1st Produced:

The Round, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, UK >>>

2003

Company:

n/a

1st Published:

Faber and Faber, London, 2003

ISBN/ASIN:

-

Music:

-

doollee no

#39361

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

12

Female

4

Parts other:

-

Notes:

written By Alan Ayckbourn and Dennis King

Synopsis:

An epic musical tale of accidental heroism. The chorus of gods sets out to relate the tale of the Great Ulmar, legendary warrior and champion of Sollistis. But their narrative suffers a major technical hitch when Orvin, Ulmar's hopeless squire, oversleeps on the eve of battle. What follows proves a challenge even to such seasoned story tellers as the gods themselves as they vainly attempt to re-write history with only the help of Orvin, the unlikeliest, most reluctant of last minute replacement champions. (Copy from the Stephen Joseph Theatre brochure summer 2004)

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

Privates On Parade

1st Produced:

Aldwych Theatre, London >>>

1977

Company:

RSC

1st Published:

Samuel French, London,

ISBN/ASIN:

-

Music:

-

doollee no

#49494

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

10

Female

1

Parts other:

-

Notes:

Book & lyrics by Peter Nichols, Music by Denis King

Synopsis:

n/a

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

Saint She Ain't, A

1st Produced:

King's Head Theatre, 115 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 1QN >>>

1999

Company:

n/a

1st Published:

Weinbergers,

ISBN/ASIN:

-

Music:

-

doollee no

#49495

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

5

Female

3

Parts other:

-

Notes:

Book & lyrics by Dick Vosburgh, Music by Denis King. Transferred to Apollo Theatre, London 1999; Original Cast Album - First Night Records

Synopsis:

Los Angeles in the 1940s - Anna wishes to defy her father and marry a tap-dancing sailor called Danny. Complications and cross-purposes ensue when Mr. and Mrs. Bogle (not a million miles away from W.C. Fields and Mae West) get in on the act. Mayhem and madness abound with mistaken identities, crazy complications, snappy songs, and non-stop laughter. This witty, literate pastiche is simply a delight

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

Stepping Out - The Musical

1st Produced:

Theatre Royal, Plymouth, UK >>>

1997

Company:

Bill Kenwright Ltd

1st Published:

Samuel French Cast Album First Night Records, 2001

ISBN/ASIN:

-

Music:

-

doollee no

#47791

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

1

Female

9

Parts other:

-

Notes:

Lyrics by Mary Stewart-David; Book by Richard Harris; Music by Denis King

Synopsis:

Following the success of the play "Stepping Out", Richard Harris has combined the talents of lyricist Mary Stewart-David and composer Denis King to create a heart-warming toe-tapping new musical following the familiar story of the loves and laughs of a group of women (and one man) attending a weekly tap class in a dingy church hall. As the play unfolds, the songs delicately highlight the troubles and personalities of each if the characters: Mavis the ex-professional dancer, who runs the class; bubbly Sylvia; nervous Andy; snobby but well-meaning Vera; confident attractive Maxine; fat, plain Lynne, who is very serious about dancing; anxious Dorothy; larger than life Trinidadian Rose, and Geoffrey, the lone widowed male. Accompanied on the piano by the lugubrious Mrs Fraser, the tappers improve, so much so that the show climaxes with a big glitzy final tap routine number.

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

That Old Feeling 

1st Produced:

Sonning Eye: The Mill at Sonning Theatre, England, EUR >>>

10 Oct 2009

Company:

n/a

1st Published:

I don't think it has been published. Try emailing Playwright or Agent where listed at top of page.

ISBN/ASIN:

-

Music:

-

doollee no

#107210

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

6

Female

3

Parts other:

-

Notes:

Musical By Richard Harris And Denis King

Synopsis:

excursions to a ballroom dancing club

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

Treasure Island

1st Produced:

Birmingham Rep, Birmingham, UK >>>

1985

Company:

n/a

1st Published:

Samuel French, London,

ISBN/ASIN:

-

Music:

-

doollee no

#50122

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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abebooks.co.uk

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amazon.co.uk

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Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

19

Female

2

Parts other:

extras

Notes:

Book & Lyrics by Willis Hall, Music by Denis King

Synopsis:

Robert Louis Stevenson's timeless seafaring tale of desert-island skulduggery and adventure which has delighted readers for generations--is brought to the stage in a lively musical adaptation which sacrifices none of the excitement of the story. Young Jim Hawkins' encounters with Long John Silver, Blind Pew, Ben Gunn and the pirates make you shiver your timbers (matey).

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

Valentine's Day

1st Produced:

Minerva Theatre, Chichester, UK >>>

1991

Company:

n/a

1st Published:

I don't think it has been published. Try emailing Playwright or Agent where listed at top of page.

ISBN/ASIN:

-

Music:

-

doollee no

#50123

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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abebooks.co.uk

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amazon.co.uk

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Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

6

Female

7

Parts other:

-

Notes:

Book by Benny Green & David William, Music by Denis King. Transferred to the Globe, London, September 1992

Synopsis:

Adapted from by George Bernard Shaw's bright and frivolous comedy, "You Never Can Tell" , this a warm, buoyant, musical play, faithful to Shaw, sophisticated and witty, and never takes itself too seriously. Valentine, the hero, a likeable and self-deprecating romantic dentist, falls for the beautiful Gloria, a confirmed feminist, much farcial activity ensues, all of it under the all-seeing avuncular eye of William the head waiter.

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

Whenever

1st Produced:

Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, UK >>>

2000

Company:

n/a

1st Published:

Music published by Samuel French, Libretto by Faber, 2002

ISBN/ASIN:

-

Music:

-

doollee no

#50124

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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Genre:

Musical Adventure

Parts:

Male

5

Female

4

Parts other:

doubling, flexible

Notes:

book and lyrics by Alan Ayckbourn, music by Denis King

Synopsis:

Whenever is ideal Christmas and New Year entertainment for all the family. This fast-moving spectacular fuses Alan Ayckbourn's thrilling story with the inspriational music of composer Denis King on their first full length musical collaboration. In i886, nine-year-old Emily Bonny, fleeing for her life, climbs aboard her uncle's amazing new time machine. Her journey is to take her to the end of time itself, and in the process change not only her own but all our lives forever!

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

Wind In The Willows

1st Produced:

Theatre Royal, Plymouth, UK >>>

1984

Company:

n/a

1st Published:

Samuel French, London,

ISBN/ASIN:

-

Music:

-

doollee no

#50125

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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abebooks.co.uk

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Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

13

Female

2

Parts other:

many extras

Notes:

Book & lyrics by Willis Hall, Music by Denis King. Transferred to Sadler's Wells Theatre, London, 1985

Synopsis:

The first full-scale stage musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's book brought vividly to life as one moves into the magical world of the River Bank, inhabited by Ratty, Mole, Badger, and of course, Toad. An enchanting show, whether taken as an allegorical look at human foibles seen through the lives of animals-or just accepted for it's magical fairytale qualities.

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

Words And Music

1st Produced:

Ambassadors', London

1984

Company:

Theatre of Comedy Company

1st Published:

I don't think it has been published. Try emailing Playwright or Agent where listed at top of page.

ISBN/ASIN:

-

Music:

-

doollee no

#65041

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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abebooks.co.uk

stageplays.com

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amazon.co.uk

amazon.ca

Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

2

Female

2

Parts other:

-

Notes:

Benny Green, Denis King and friends

Synopsis:

n/a

Further Reference:

-


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DENIS KING

Worzel Gummidge

1st Produced:

Birmingham Rep, Birmingham, UK >>>

1980

Company:

n/a

1st Published:

Samuel French, London,

ISBN/ASIN:

-

Music:

-

doollee no

#50126

To Buy This Play:

If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

 

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amazon.co.uk

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Genre:

Musical

Parts:

Male

11

Female

4

Parts other:

1b 1g extras

Notes:

Book & lyrics by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall, Music by Denis King. Transferred to the Cambridge Theatre, London, 1981

Synopsis:

A family musical of comic charm, vivacity, and snappy tunes. Based on the popular characters created by Barbara Euphan Todd, we enter the quirky enchanting world of Scatterbrook Farm's waspish but lovable rascal, the scarecrow Worzel Gummidge. Poor Worzel has fallen in love; he wants a wife to make him nice cups of tea and slices of cake-but he's picked the wrong girl, Aunt Sally, the stuck-up wooden-top mopsy doll who talks "lah-di-dah fluently," dreams of marrying a prince, and certainly would never lower herself to marry pongy, ugly, old Worzel-until, that is, she sees how brave he can be and falls for his charm.

Further Reference:

-


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