Alan Turing - A Musical Biography

I spoke to Joel Goodman, the composer of a brand new musical, Alan Turing - A Musical Biography, coming to London this January after a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023, and here's what he had to tell me about this exciting piece of new theatre, its music, and why it is so important that Alan Turing's story is told.

Alan Turing - A Musical Biography runs from 8th - 27th January at Riverside Studios.

What about Alan Turing's story makes it so perfect for a musical adaptation?

Alan Turing’s life has such a broad interest across society. His involvement in World War 2 draws historians to learn about him, his mathematical ability and forward-thinking mind that anticipated computers attracts academics, and his terrible treatment for having been a gay man at the wrong time makes him a martyr for the gay community. All of these aspects are so powerful. It has been a fascinating journey to share all of these aspects of Alan Turing’s life through music.

What is one fact about Alan Turing you didn't know before starting this project that you've come to discover?

Most recently I discovered that Alan Turing visited a fortune teller not long before his death.

If you could pick one characteristic of Alan Turing you see most in yourself, what would it be?

This is a very tricky question. I am going to go for his humour. Alan Turing had a great sense of humour. It is evident in his letters that he wrote to friends and family and colleagues. I certainly don’t share his mathematical or computing genius.

We've seen a rise in historically inspired musicals recently, what is it about this one that stands out?

For me the stand out nature of Alan Turing’s life story is the the absolute tragedy of being a hero to his country in World War Two and then sentenced to gross indecency for being gay. In terms of the music I hope that some of the songs stand out for being extremely moving and also some the lyrics are highly intellectual giving this production a unique character in the musical theatre genre.

Alan Turing's story is a thrilling and historically monumental one - what can audiences expect from this musical?

Audiences can expect joy, humour, excitement, sadness, anger and tragedy. I really want this production to take audiences on an emotional journey.

If you had to describe the show in 3 words, what would it be?

Emotional, Intellectual, Memorable

Who should come to see this show, and why should audiences who are less familiar with Turing come to see it?

Well I think anyone over the age of 10 might find this show interesting. I of course would love all musical theatre fans to support this production. I’d love to see some people who don’t normally see or like musicals give our production a chance as it very different to most musicals.

What about your Riverside Studios run are you most looking forward to?

The length of the run is exciting. Having committed to a three week run there is the excitement that a lot could happen in that time.