Shaun McKenna

PLAYWRIGHT, SCREEN WRITER, LYRICIST

Shaun McKenna is an award-winning British writer. Prolific and versatile, his work ranges from theatre plays to prime-time TV, acclaimed West End musicals to documentaries, spectacular arena shows to classic radio adaptations.

Born in Kent, he now lives in Warwickshire.

April 2013

 
Shaun begins work on the Book for a new fantasy musical adventure, THE OVATION, for Blue Kingdom Productions. It's that rarest of things, an original musical developed from an idea by the lyricist Maribeth Derry and composer Patrick Leonard. Watch this space for future developments.

April 2013

Shaun is commissioned to write a stage adaptation of a recent book by a best selling British novelist. For now, everything else about the project is a closely guarded secret.

February - March 2013

 
Shaun develops a new version of the HEIDI musical with Stephen Keeling, John Havu and Stefan Mens. The original and its sequels were commissioned by TSW for Walenstadt and ran to great acclaim from 2005-2008. The new version, specifically for the UK and US markets, will be a family musical for Christmas.

January 2013

At a reception held at The Club at the Ivy on Thursday 17 January, the 2012 Broadway World:UK Awards were presented by Fernando Peire, Director of The Ivy - and presenter of ITV's The Restaurant Inspector - to the writer and cast of Ladies in Lavender. Read more.

Shaun's acclaimed stage adaptation of LADIES IN LAVENDER which toured the UK in 2012 won Five awards.

Voted Best Fringe or Regional Play, there were also awards for Best Director (Robin Lefevre), Best Leading Actress (Hayley Mills), Best Featured Actress (Belinda Lang) and Best Featured Actor (Robert Rees). There are plans for productions in Europe and the USA.

December 2012
 
Shaun completes his commission from TXTV to write the concluding part of his original mini-series for ITV. CUCKOO is a thriller which explores the emotional fallout within a family when a newly bereaved father becomes involved with a woman his mother-in-law believes to be a threat to the children.

Autumn 2012

Shaun's English version of Eric Assous's witty French comedy, LITTLE WHITE LIES, is approved by the author.
Watch this space for news about productions in London and New York.

Coming in 2013

Plans are afoot for a full Off-Broadway production of Shaun's new 70s disco musical LAST DANCE, developed with Philip Wm McKinley and Robert Wachs. The show tried out to great acclaim in New York in September 2012 at the York Theater.  It features the songs of Paul Jabara.

The tryout cast was led by Rob Morrow and Broadway headliners Jack Noseworthy, Katrina Lenk , Jill Shackner and Anastacia McCleskey. Musical direction by Wendy Bobbitt Cavett and choreography by Carol Schuberg.

Coming in Spring 2014

THE BIBLE: IN THE BEGINNING is a brand new arena spectacular, directed by Philip Wm. McKinley. Produced by Michael Cohl and Jeremy Harris, THE BIBLE: IN THE BEGINNING will tour the USA from March 2014. Shaun has written the Book, with lyrics by Maribeth Derry and music by Ryan Beveridge and Matt Rollings.

 Mark Fisher and Ray Winkler will design the set, Anne Hould Ward the costumes and Patrick Woodroffe light.

And for those of you who keep asking...

No comment yet on the rumours that THE LORD OF THE RINGS is about to embark on a new life. Let's just say it's not beyond the bounds of possibility...