Worshipped opera singer, renowned swordswoman, flaming bisexual… Julie D’Aubigny is the 17th century queer icon you’ve probably never heard of. Epic, original musical JULIE: The Musical brings her incredible story to life at The Other Palace this summer. In this original musical from Le Gasp! Productions (Tit Swingers, 2024), Julie’s determination to transcend 17th century ideals prevails in a queer-lead show that celebrates nonconformity and unapologetic chaos. With characters played by all genders, multiple musical genres and no set instrumentation, JULIE is paving the way to a new era of musical theatre; one that champions accessibility and inclusivity in every way.
Audiences are guided back in time by Julie herself, spilling the trials and tribulations of being the first ever recorded, openly bisexual, woman. JULIE tells endless, riotous (and mostly factual) tales that include seducing nuns, duelling multiple men at once, burning down convents, being bribed by royalty, and innovating Opera. Through a life of rule breaking and trendsetting, Julie D’Aubigny forged her own path through a world of strict social boundaries, bucking the trends of anything and anyone who came before her. As a queer, non-binary and autistic creative, Abey Bradbury’s first ever full-length musical is ambitious and scrappy; bursting at the seams with live music, comedy, tap dancing sword fights, twerking nuns and kazoo choruses. It celebrates the extraordinary life of this 17th century icon. It celebrates queerness. But most of all, it celebrates carving a place for yourself in a world not built for you.
Live like it’s the last chance you’ll get and sing like everyone is watching. After its first run at The Other Palace, JULIE was a finalist at the Offies for Best New Musical 2024. On 12-30th June 2024