Sally M. Brown

Profile

I studied Creative Writing at the Universities of South Wales and Nottingham, minoring in Writing for Children, Script Writing and Linguistics. 

I am currently working towards a practice-led PhD centred on the writing of a musical theatre book adapted from Baroness Orczy’s The Scarlet Pimpernel.

What are the social, cultural and industry led influences that affect the characterisation of women in contemporary musical theatre, with particular relevance to pivotal female roles?

Abstract 

How can a better understanding of the cultural, social and industry led influences on writing for musical theatre be beneficial when writing a musical book that counters established tropes? How can established adaptation theory be utilised or modified when applied to the distinctive art-form of adapting material to a musical theatre book? This study will begin by researching the effects culture, industry and society have on writing for music theatre, with a concentration on female characterisation, both in the present day and historically. Particular focus will be given to previous adaptations and productions of The Scarlet Pimpernel, specifically the representation of the central female character, Marguerite Blakeney. The project will also explore the emerging field of Musical Theatre Studies, with particular attention to Writing for Musical Theatre. The creative component will be writing a new musical book of The Scarlet Pimpernel, using practice led research to continue to reflect and analyse during the creative process.

Qualifications

• MA Writing with Linguistics and Writing for Children
• BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing with Writing for Performance and Writing for Children