Irish musical theatre writer Lauryn Gaffney's new musical Jilted premieres at the Sugar Club in Dublin on 23 June. We asked Lauryn the BIG questions . . .
It follows Malahide native Lauryn’s success with her first original musical Big Shot, which was performed Off-Broadway and went on to win five Broadway World Awards.
Tickets for Jilted are available here.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I wrote a musical Off-Broadway that won five awards. I recently got engaged in Sydney, Australia! I also have a huge scar on my back from being on fire!
How would you describe your music?
I write a real mix of music going from pop to rock and then to musical theatre. I guess I would describe it as versatile and I really hope it’s catchy! I’ve been told it is but that’s my dream so to write killer hooks that never leave your brain!
Who are your musical inspirations?
Pop-wise, Lauren Christy. She wrote Avril Lavigne’s first album and a bunch of hits. CMAT - I mean I really wanna be a cowboy baby now. Declan O Rourke - those lyrics!! Musical wise, Bobby and Kristen Lopez. They wrote Frozen!! Of course, Hadestown writer Anais Mitchell. Now she can write hooks!!
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Destiny’s Child. My auntie Veronica bought me the tickets for Christmas and I went with my cool cousin Linda and was gobsmacked. Can’t beat a bit of Bills, Bills, Bills.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Michael Jackson - Number Ones.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Wait For Me - Hadestown.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Time doesn’t wait for me, It keeps on rolling" – Boston.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Foreplay/Longtime by Boston.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Come to The Sugar Club, Dublin on 23 June to see the debut of my new musical Jilted or more on my Instagram @lauryngaff.
Alan Corr
