Julian Butler

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Julian Butler
Background information
Born (1970-08-15) 15 August 1970 (age 53)
Maidstone, Kent, England
GenresTheatre, children's theatre, pop, classical
Occupation(s)Composer
LabelsPop! Records privatejokemusic.com
Websitejulianbutler.co.uk

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

Career[edit]

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[edit]

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

Selected discography[edit]

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[edit]

  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.

External links[edit]