Music and lyrics by Pete Townshend
book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff
additional music by John Entwistle and Sonny Boy Williamson II
Based on the iconic 1969 rock concept album, The Who's Tommy is an exhilarating story of hope, healing and the human spirit. The story of the pinball wizard who triumphs over his adversities has inspired, amazed and puzzled audiences for more than 50 years. This five-time Tony Award-winning musical was translated to the stage by theatrical visionary, Des McAnuff, into a high-energy, one-of-a-kind theatrical event.
After witnessing the accidental murder of his mother's lover by his father, Tommy is traumatized into catatonia and, as the boy grows, he suffers abuse at the hands of his sadistic relatives and neighbours. As an adolescent, he's discovered to have an uncanny knack for playing pinball and, when his mother finally breaks through his catatonia, he becomes an international pinball superstar.
About the British Theatre Academy
Founded in 1989 as Songtime Theatre Arts by our CEO Matthew Chandler, we have been nurturing young performers for over 30 years, rebranding as The British Theatre Academy in 2016 to mark our commitment to free and affordable theatre training across the country.
In that time, we have seen our young members and alumni feature in various high profile professional Theatre, TV and Film titles, and we have unrivalled success in nurturing young artists to develop a professional and sustainable career in performing and other creative industries.
The British Theatre Academy provides young artists with a racially diverse, safe, fun and accessible space to develop their craft and explore the world of performing arts at a professional level. Our connections in the entertainment industry are unparalleled. With members raging from 5-26 our weekday regional classes, London Summer Season and On-Screen classes have become the leading part time training school with an unrivalled alumni!
We believe that artists should have affordable access to training, we provide more free opportunities than any other youth programme with our free first shows and summer season, which has allowed thousands of young artists to experience the thrill of being on stage. Our full-time memberships are also set at affordable rates for maximum contact hours and networking opportunities.
We believe in the tried and tested rep company style training, and so all of our young performers learn “on the job” through exciting theatre titles and are guided through the process by professional creatives.
Under our highly Skilled Professional Creative team our students will be guided to their full potential giving them world class training that has attributed to our success! We take pride in the passion that our creative team bring to BTA
We recognise natural talent and are fundamental in nurturing and preparing our students for a career that needs guts and determination, Self discipline and ambition.
The British Theatre Academy are passionate about diversity and inclusivity and strive to engage and encourage young people regardless of socioeconomic status to pursue their career in the entertainment industry!