"188 productions staged"
Director's Mission Statement

I have worked as a performer under a number of great directors of our time including Sir Peter Hall, Trevor Nunn, Francesca Zambello, David Freeman, Phyllida Lloyd and John Cox; from whom I have learnt a great deal on good theatre technique. 

My Aim is to produce the realism required by the theatre of today, which is competing with the more recent art forms of film television and internet & AI. 
Stand and Sing is no longer sufficient production to present to an audience.

Even the humblest chorus member needs attention and purpose, so that everyone feels an integral performer in the production.

A sense of humour and appreciation that Community theatre is a hobby for it's participant, as well as an occupation for the professional, are vital markers in the way I work.

The audience in the 21st. Century expect a professional approach for the cost of their ticket. 


THE WAY I WORK:-

ALL PRODUCTIONS WHETHER PROFESSIONAL OR COMMUNITY ARE FULLY SCHEDULED WITH DETAILED CALLS AND TIMINGS.              

The Production Period may be spread over several months or Concentrated to suit the style to which the Company is accustomed.
Distance is no object. 
Engagements far from home may require provision of self - catering accommodation or hospitality as appropriate. 


Martyn is also able to recommend performers in the case of emergencies.
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Fiddler -Fruma Sarah
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CCO Magic Flute opening scene. Hylands House - Chelmsford Open Air Performance
* SEE PRODUCTION WEB PAGES - CLICK HERE *
2018
Autumn leaves - A musical season
October 2018
2017
La Clemenza di Tito - October 2017 - REO

2016
March 2016 Stage Animateur - Iphigenia in Tauride - Gluck for Red Earth Opera a Community project at the Teignmouth Music festival, Devon. 2016.

FIGARO AND FRIENDS
A Professional Opera Group for Essex   [Click Link]
Martyn has used his experience as a professional performer to Direct over 180  shows,
 both Fully Professional and Community productions.
RECENT REVIEWS 

 HIGH SOCIETY - SWMTC - Saffron Walden Town Hall
March, 2015
Full of sparkle, wonderful singing and choreography, this was another example of the high standards that this society can achieve, both musically and technically, with evident support from a very talented production team.
Sue Hartwell  - NODA East district 7

THE MERRY WIDOW - TMMD - Civic Theatre Chelmsford, May 2013

"Martyn Harrison, who directs, is new to this company. He has chosen to concentrate on the plot and the people, and there are certainly laughs to be had in Jeremy Sams' risqué and irreverent translation.
Michael Gray's Arts Blog.
WINNER OF THE NODA  S.E. BEST PRODUCTION AWARD 2013.

"...part of the charm of The Merry Widow is it's visual appeal with three gorgeous sets, particularly those for Act 2 and 3,....full marks for creating the wonderful shadows of leaves and branches in the garden and the Eiffel Towers in the recreation of Maxim's. The combination of lighting effects, a few simple large props and the shimmery back cloth transformed what appeared to be a fairly simple set of plain back cloth and tabs into something magical.
Stewart Adkins - NODA

MADAM BUTTERFLY - 2012 - New Devon Opera
"Typically however Martyn Harrison also takes every opportunity to make his production as visually interesting as possible ...
 PRB’s conclusion was that ‘Madam Butterfly must surely be the company’s best production so far’ and it turns out that I agree with him whole- heartedly. ......
. It’s another tour de force presentation from the man who added a live pony and trap for Escamillo’s transport in last year’s Carmen. Seenandheard-international.com - full review 1

CARMEN - 2011 -  New Devon Opera Tour - Review Extract
"Expertly directed by Martyn Harrison, this Carmen is New Devon Opera’s most ambitious project yet, simply because of the number of people involved in it…
Martyn Harrison’s gift for crowd management is nothing short of an art-form in itself.....
the chorus scores full marks to become the star of the show as Martyn Harrison puts it." 
www.seenandheard-international.com

SEE ALSO REVIEWS PAGE