Besides writing her novels, Bernie also finds time to write stage musicals with her husband, Matthew. Under the name of Bernie Gaughan her first musical, Next Door's Baby, premiered at London's Orange Tree Theatre in 2008. She is now working on number two. See more about the shows below.
Music and lyrics by Matthew Strachan
Book by Bernie Gaughan
A newspaper baby competition in 1950's Dublin highlights the tension between two very different neighbouring families, both convinced their little bundle of joy will triumph. Orla, eldest daughter of the noisy, numerous O'Briens, glances with envy across the garden wall at Miriam Hennessy's sedate and genteel home life. As the matriarchs feud, the two girls find that they have something in common: they both hide a shameful secret. On the eve of the final they collude on a daring plan that will change their lives and their relationships with their families forever.
The husband and wife team of bestselling author, Bernie
Gaughan, and award-winning composer, Matthew Strachan, have written a show for
anyone who ever had a family.
"full of delicious wit and
earthy humour … supremely successful chamber musical theatre"
The
Times
"Strachan's lyrics are unusually
literate … each song ... has the ingenious structure of a
mini-play"
The Guardian
"Gaughan’s script is a
grabber"
Financial Times
Silk
Music and lyrics by Matthew
Strachan
Book by Bernie
Gaughan
Ruth Ellis and Albert Pierrepoint had
only one, infamous meeting. But in Silk the two enjoy revealing conversations
over tea and biscuits at a macabre parlour party, entertained by a louche
variety bill including Albert’s predecessors, his family, Ruth’s friends and her
lovers. Finally, as the clock strikes eight, it’s time for Ruth to leave. Albert
is left alone with his ghosts.
A psychological musical drama, Silk is teeming with half forgotten historical figures grateful for the chance to unburden themselves through a rambunctious score which is both unsettling and moving.