Pop icon Elton John and the theatrical Old Vic Productions have paired up to launch a theatre production company with a particular emphasis on creating original musicals. For fans of the music mogul, this will welcome even further exposure of John’s work, and equally that of musical theatre. Elton John is one of the most talented and influential artists of the generation, and to have him attached to Old Vic Productions is a particular coup. A new family show will be born of the partnership, featuring songs from John’s back catalogue.
‘Rocket Stage’ – as it is to be called – is a £10 million joint venture between Old Vic Productions – the co-producer of Billy Elliot the musical, which features music by John – and Rocket Pictures, the entertainment company created by John, David Furnish and Steve Hamilton-Shaw. Old Vic Productions will invest 25% into the company, with the remaining 75% from Rocket Pictures: the company will co-produce a series of shows in association with John, and the joint venture will have the rights to all John’s future musical theatre projects.
Rocket Stage is currently working on five new musicals, one of which will be a family show that will feature existing songs by John, alongside much new material too. The second creation will be a brand new show that will feature an entirely new score from John, demonstrating his talent is very much alive and kicking! Old Vic Productions will therefore co-produce all of the planned stage shows and general manage them in the UK. With so much investment from Old Vic Productions (£2.5million over three years) this will guarantee long term value for Old Vic Productions trough rights and royalties.