songs
by
Women.

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Our Story


The Women’s Musical Theatre Initiative was founded in 2018 by composer Bella Barlow & bookwriter/lyricist A.C. Smith in collaboration with London Playwrights Workshop.

The WMTI was launched in response to the news that 9 out of 10 new musicals in the UK were written by men. We kicked off with a cabaret series that showcased talented women writers, and raised funds for future projects.

We’ve been on hiatus for the past few years, but we have big plans ahead.

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Photo by Lechon Kirb on Unsplash

Our goals


Visibility

Showcasing the talent of women musical theatre writers.

Excellence

Supporting women writers in mastering their craft.

Equality

Creating a more welcoming and inclusive industry for all.

Team


Photo: Eulanda Shead Osagiede

Barlow & Smith

Composer Bella Barlow
& Bookwriter/Lyricist A.C. Smith

Founders

We met over a piano, and have been writing together ever since.

Our work together includes LOCK & KEY (VAULT Festival, Pick of the Week in The Stage), DREAM QUEEN: JANIE DEE (Shakespeare’s Globe), CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY (album on iTunes and show in development), and VANYA’S (workshop support from Old Vic New Voices, Criterion Theatre, Mercury Musical Developments, and Arts Ed). We’ve taught musical theatre writing at RADA, Southampton University, Portsmouth University, and Central School of Speech & Drama, and currently lead the Advanced Writers Lab II for MMD.

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London Playwrights Workshop

Supported by

London Playwrights Workshop Ltd is a nonprofit company founded in 2015 as a resources for emerging writers. LPW is the home of London Playwrights Blog and offers workshops, script consulting, and development opportunities for playwrights, including writers of musical theatre.

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