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

Julian Butler
Background information
Born (1970-08-15) 15 August 1970 (age 54)
Maidstone, Kent, England
GenresTheatre, children's theatre, pop, classical
OccupationComposer
LabelsPop! Records privatejokemusic.com
Websitejulianbutler.co.uk

Career

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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

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

Selected discography

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Performer Title Details
Julian & Stephen Butler Space Family Robinson (Original Soundtrack)
  • Released: 2002
  • Label: Pop! Records
  • Format: CD (POP021)
Viper Squadron Attack of the Vapours
  • Released: 2006
  • Label: Pop! Records
  • Format: CD (POP061)
Viper Squadron Battle of the Planets
  • Released: 2011
  • Label: Pop! Records
  • Format: download, streaming
Viper Squadron Confederacy of the Bees
  • Released: 2014
  • Label: Pop! Records
  • Format: download, streaming
Private Joke Honour Among Thieves
  • Released: 2016
  • Label: Pop! Records
  • Format: download, streaming

References

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