| Home and Away: The Musical | |
|---|---|
 The tour programme front cover for Home and Away: The Musical | |
| Music | Chris Summerfield |
| Book | Various |
| Basis | Home and Away created by Alan Bateman |
| Productions | 1991: UK Tour |
Home and Away: The Musical is a 1991 stage musical with music and lyrics by Chris Summerfield, and a book by various writers. It is based on the Australian soap opera Home and Away. The show was created and directed by Paul Hammond and developed by the British Albermarle Montrose company. The musical features thirteen scenes divided between two acts, with fourteen musical numbers. Hammond developed the idea after realising Home and Away potential to become a successful musical that would be an ideal fit in the 1990s lifestyle. Hammond envisioned the musical that would replicate the success and legacy of Grease. Hammond travelled to Australia to secure the rights for the show. He met with potential cast members and hired the original cast members Justine Clarke, Mouche Phillips, Adam Willits, Sharyn Hodgson, Julian McMahon and Craig Thomson. British actors Matthew Cammelle, Andrew Lawden, Karen Heyworth and Paul Murphy assumed the remaining roles. Home and Away's executive producer Des Monaghan and staff from the Seven Network in Australia offered support during the show's development.
The show's plot focuses mainly on the character of Roo Stewart, who's Diner business is under threat from villain Mr Big. The Summer Bay locals band together to save their the Diner. Throughout the story, the characters break out into song and the show's musical numbers occur. The show was choreographed by Trudy Moffatt and featured a chorus and a band. The show's sets were based on locations that appear in Home and Away. These include the Diner, Summer Bay beach and the Fletcher family kitchen. The music numbers ranged from jazz, funk and ballads with energetic dance routines. The show debuted at The Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells on 10 June 1991. It toured the United Kingdom across fifteen venues until October that year. The musical cost £1.6 million to produce and was promoted in British media and on television. The show attracted controversy towards the end of its run due to actors failing to attend the shows.
Home and Away: The Musical received mixed reviews from theatre and media critics alike. The majority of the show's original cast performances were negatively critiqued but Clarke received praise for her role as Roo. The show's choreography was mainly applauded but the show's writing and main storyline were berated. The show was popular with younger audiences and fans of its source material, Home and Away. Critics noted a positive atmosphere and reception at all show's, largely from the show's fan base.