The stage adaptation of the 1999 cult comedy film But I’m A Cheerleader will premiere at the Turbine Theatre in 2022.
The new musical has book and lyrics by Bill Augustin, music by Andrew Abrams, direction by Tania Azevedo, choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento and lighting by Martha Godfrey, and will run from 18 February–16 April. Casting is yet to be announced.
Based on the 1999 film of the same name, the musical will tell the story of Megan, an American high school cheerleader who seems to have the perfect life. That is until her family, who suspect her of being a lesbian, send her to ‘True Directions’ a conversion therapy camp. But when she arrives Megan’s ‘true direction’ seems to be towards fellow resident of the camp, the tomboy-ish Graham.
The musical was first presented as part of MTFestUK 2019, and it will be the first fully commissioned musical discovered at the festival.
Talking about this stage adaptation director Tania Azevedo said: “I am thrilled to be working on the musical adaptation of this LGBTQ+ Cult Classic. I think it’s crucial for our community to see ourselves in pieces of theatre that are comedic, that celebrate Queer joy and But I’m A Cheerleader is exactly that.”
Producer Adam Bialow said: “In light of the subject matter – conversion therapy- being debated in both the United Kingdom and United States, I believe that this story is more necessary and sadly more relevant than ever.”
Words by Isobel Pankhurst
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