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Conrad Murray talks about his work and bringing beatboxing to the masses
We’ve been massive fans of Conrad Murray‘s work for a number of years. His work with Batterseas Arts Centre’s Beat Boxing Academy alone would be enough in itself, but Conrad has also devised shows through Beats & Elements that uses all his beatboxing and rap skills in creating new exciting ways to tell a story. So when we bumped into him at the recent OffWestEnd Awards, where he won for best TYA Production, it was a great opportunity to ask him if he’d like to join us on our podcast. And thankfully he said yes.
Right now he is working on a hip hop retelling of Romeo and Juliet, playing at Polka Theatre, aimed at a younger audience. He’s also bringing Pied Piper back for a short run at Southbank Centre. On top of that, he has a few other projects in development, so there was an awful lot to pack in to our chat.
Note: We recorded this after he had just come off stage at Polka, and so you will hear a little background noise of the theatre going about its business! The sound also goes slightly odd for the final minute, apologies for that.
You can find out more about Romeo and Juliet here, and Pied Piper here.
Romeo and Juliet
A remixed tale of star-crossed lovers
How much would you risk for the person you love?
Forced apart by generations of hatred, young eyes meet across a South London dancefloor on a fateful night that will change their lives forever. Shakespeare’s most famous story is re-told through rap, rhythms, and beautiful harmonies. It’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, but as you’ve never heard it before.
Put down your swords and pick up your mics, after all, the course of true love never did run smooth.
From the makers behind ‘Frankenstein: How to make a Monster’ and ‘Pied Piper the Hip Hop Family Musical’.
Please note this production is based on Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and contains similar themes to the original play, including violence and death. This is a brand-new production and information on the show may change. This page will be updated once we have more details.
Further information and bookings can be found here.
