Finn Anderson appointed Cameron Mackintosh resident composer at the Lowry and Hope Mill Theatre

Finn Anderson has been named this year’s Cameron Mackintosh resident composer.

He will be co-hosted by the Lowry and Hope Mill Theatre, for a six-month residency beginning in April.

Anderson is the second of five composers to be the recipient of the scheme, which is being facilitated by Mercury Musical Developments and Musical Theatre Network from 2018 to 2021. It is funded by the Cameron Mackintosh Foundation.

The recipient is paired with a venue and involved in a range of work including underscoring plays, setting a text to music and creating their own piece.

Anderson said: “I feel so privileged to have been selected for this year’s Cameron Mackintosh Resident Composer Scheme, and to work with two of Manchester’s most vibrant venues […]it is such an exciting time for new musicals in the UK and both of these venues show a strong commitment to the art form, so I’m certain I’ll learn a huge amount during my time as resident composer and will leave with new skills, networks and understanding of how to progress in my musical theatre career.”

Other venues that have hosted resident composers include the Royal Shakespeare Company, Curve in Leicester, Leeds Playhouse, Bristol Old Vic, the Mercury in Colchester and the New Wolsey in Ipswich.

Senior producer at the Lowry Claire Symonds said: “The Lowry is delighted to come together with Hope Mill Theatre to support a Cameron Mackintosh resident composer and it demonstrates the spirit of collaboration and innovation that we hold dear in Greater Manchester.

“With Hope Mill Theatre’s flair for producing and re-imagining musicals and our passion for artist development and new British musical theatre, we look forward to offering Finn an extraordinary opportunity to develop.”

Anderson’s previous work includes Islander, a musical produced by Paines Plough and Southwark Playhouse, and Streets, which was nominated for best new musical at the Off West End Theatre Awards.

Islander review at Summerhall, Edinburgh – ‘magical new folk musical’