Beyond The Gate - An Original Musical Revue - SimG Productions - Theatre Production Company created in 2009 by Actor/Director Simon Greiff and incorporating his Record Label SimG Records

Album Description:

‘Beyond The Gate’ was conceived by Mercury Musical Developments and The Gate Theatre. In early 2011 a workshop revue was presented at The Gate to showcase the songwriting skills of some the best writers in Britain - from the established (including Don Black, Frank Lazarus, Richard Stilgoe) to the rising talent (including Craig Adams, Dougal Irvine, Tim Sutton). The revue was based around Ancient Greece (to complement The Gate's forthcoming production of ‘Electra’) and MMD members submitted a broad range of material; including contemporary songs about what it means to be a hero, odes to Helen, both comic and yearning, cries from embittered soldiers, and songs about mythical adventurers and Kings such as Paris, Achilles and Menaleus.

BEYOND THE GATE was first performed at The Gate Theatre, Notting Hill London, on 22nd January 2011

Starring David Burt (Fantasticks at the Duchess), Stuart Matthew Price (Parade at the Donmar) and Cath Whitefield (Hedda at the Gate), and featuring beautiful arrangements by Tony winner SarahTravis (Sweeney Todd on Broadway).

Proceeds from sales go directly to Mercury Musical Developments to help fund future projects.

Production Reviews:

“BEYOND THE GATE, a sweet, occasionally deep, compilation of new material … some is gorgeous … staged with simply elegance … Stuart Matthew Price once again proves an invaluable vocal presence & Cath Whitefield is tremendous.”Mark Shenton, The Stage

“Truly excellent .... a feast of imagination and pride in new British composition”★★★★★ The Audience Club

“If anyone ever doubted the depth and invention of book and song writing talent in this country then an hour spent at Beyond The Gate: An Original Musical Revue - will have put them right.”
Edward Seckerson, The Independent

Album Reviews

“marvelously satisfying revue, for which the songs all take their inspiration from Greek mythology, is gamely performed by David Burt, Stuart Matthew Price, and Cath Whitefield. Highlights include Sutton's comic imaging of what the men might have talked about inside the Trojan Horse, Herbert's haunting Kate Bush-like musical soliloquy, ‘Casandra's Lament’, and Stilgoe's ‘It's Not About Him’, which could be sung by any of the queens of the ancient tales, provided they offered their thoughts in the style of a 1950s cocktail music ballad.”
Andy Propst, THEATERMANIA

“Ranging from sweetly simple and graceful melodies to catchy, upbeat numbers, Beyond The Gate provides something for everyone … a solidly sound and enjoyable recording. Price’s clear, assured voice in particular stands out: not just in this song [‘Did It Really Happen’] but throughout the entire recording … Burt’s richly sweet vocals [on ‘Dear Helen’] … Whitefield possesses a remarkable voice; deep and soulful, softly sensuous, beautifully pure and silky-smooth, velvety soprano … There are some wonderful offerings from the well-known names here, but it is the rising talents of the new writers that really stand out in this album: Sutton and Irvine are two such writers. A favourite is ‘This Baby Sleeps’: a stunningly tender and luxurious song, with beautiful piano accompaniments and what is undoubtedly Whitefield’s best vocal. Beyond The Gate is a must for any musical theatre fan. The songs stay with you long after the CD has stopped playing and not only highlights how wonderful our British composers are, but just why it is so important that companies like MMD and SimG Productions continue to work to support new British writing. These talented and high-quality writers are the future of musical theatre; Beyond The Gate has proven that undoubtedly.”
Julie Robinson, PUBLIC REVIEWS

“Anyone interested in the future (and present) of British musical theatre should take a listen to ‘Beyond the Gate’. Black and Stilgoe are joined by talented newcomers Irvine, Adams, Sutton, Herbert and Price. You may not have heard of them yet, but you will; and here’s a great place to start.”
REALLY USEFUL GROUP Theatre Programmes