Julian Butler Explained

Julian Butler
Birth Date:15 August 1970
Birth Place:Maidstone, Kent, England
Genre:Theatre, children's theatre, pop, classical
Occupation:Composer
Label:Pop! Records

Julian Butler (born 15 Aug 1970) is an English composer, lyricist, and writer. He is best known for his work in children's theatre.

Career

Butler wrote the script, lyrics and co-wrote the music for Space Family Robinson, a musical starring Hannah Waddingham. It premiered at the Pleasance Theatre, London in 2002.[1] [2]

As a composer and lyricist, he has specialised in work for young audiences, most notably on the Charlie and Lola stage shows Charlie and Lola's Best Bestest Play[3] and Charlie and Lola's Extremely New Play.[4]

He has worked for Polka Theatre,[5] providing music, lyrics and sound design to over 50 productions, including The Wind in the Willows,[6] Julia Donaldson's The Everywhere Bear[7] and The Paper Dolls.[8]

From 2003 to 2011, Butler was lead singer with rock band Viper Squadron, who released their debut album Attack of the Vapours in 2006.[9]

In 2011, he wrote music and lyrics for a new musical version of Red Riding Hood with Mike Kenny which premiered at the Djanogly Theatre, Nottingham on 10 December 2011.[10]

In 2013 he wrote and recorded the song "Time Stands Still" featuring vocals by David McAlmont.

In 2015, he wrote the book, lyrics and music for Neverland,[11] a musical based on J.M. Barrie's 1904 play Peter and Wendy. It premiered at the Djanogly Theatre, Nottingham on 4 December 2015.

Awards

Butler was given the ACA Members Award for his contribution to children's theatre at the 2016 JM Barrie Awards.[12]

Selected discography

PerformerTitleDetails
Julian & Stephen ButlerSpace Family Robinson (Original Soundtrack)
  • Released: 2002
  • Label: Pop! Records
  • Format: CD (POP021)
Viper SquadronAttack of the Vapours
  • Released: 2006
  • Label: Pop! Records
  • Format: CD (POP061)
Viper SquadronBattle of the Planets
  • Released: 2011
  • Label: Pop! Records
  • Format: download, streaming
Viper SquadronConfederacy of the Bees
  • Released: 2014
  • Label: Pop! Records
  • Format: download, streaming
Private JokeHonour Among Thieves
  • Released: 2016
  • Label: Pop! Records
  • Format: download, streaming

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Playbill: Space Family Robinson . 2022-03-17 . playbill.com.
  2. Web site: A Guide to musical theatre: 2002 . guidetomusicaltheatre.com.
  3. Web site: Official London Theatre: Charlie and Lola's Best Bestest Play . 2022-03-17 . officiallondontheatre.com.
  4. Web site: UK Theatre Web: Charlie and Lola's Extremely New Play . 2022-03-17 . uktw.co.uk.
  5. Web site: Polka Theatre: Julian Butler . polkatheatre.com.
  6. Web site: What's on Stage: The Wind In the Willows . 2022-03-17 . whatsonstage.com. 29 May 2018 .
  7. News: The Everywhere Bear Guardian review . 2022-03-17 . The Guardian. 23 July 2018 . Gillinson . Miriam .
  8. Web site: The Paper Dolls . 2022-03-17 . broadwayworld.com.
  9. Web site: Viper Squadron – Attack of the Vapours . 2022-02-18 . amazon.co.uk.
  10. Web site: Red Riding Hood . 2022-03-17 . lakesidearts.org.
  11. Web site: Neverland . 2022-03-17 . lakesidearts.org.
  12. Web site: JM Barrie Awards . 2022-02-18 . childrensarts.org.uk. 17 November 2016 .