Simply Cinderella

Simply Cinderella took Toby Davies (book) and me on a huge journey, setting out to write a new original family book musical inspired by the Cinderella folk tale for a brand new space. We were very proud of what we achieved with the show and look forward to the next stage of this musical's life. Simply Cinderella was blessed with a wonderfully talented company of actors and musicians, and enchanted audiences of all generations for two months of largely sold out performances.

"Grant Olding's Simply Cinderella christens Leicester's imposing new theatre with a champagne sparkle" - The Guardian

"catchy music of contrasting eras coupled with snappy lyrics by the hot young composer Grant Olding" - the Independent

"Olding is a talent to both watch and listen out for."  - Sunday Express

for more reviews see the Quotes page

England People Very Nice

This was my fourth play at the National Theatre working with director Nicholas Hytner and it was a real honour to collaborate on such a great play with this exceptional creative team. This play presented a number of musical challenges - firstly to write accessible, funny, very short songs in styles as diverse as English Folk, Irish Folk, Klezmer, Bollywood and Bhangra Rap, and next to find a way of orchestrating these songs for four wandering musicians whilst retaining all the colour and variety that the score required.

"Grant Olding's hilarious folk song parodies greatly add to the pleasure of the evening" - Daily Telegraph

"Who would think that unsexy subject, waves of immigration to Bethnal Green, could generate as much enjoyable ebullience as it does in Richard Bean's new play?" - The Times

"Nicholas Hytner's production puts this pageant across with great swagger" - The Guardian

What's Next?

Grant continues work on the new musical he is writing for the National Theatre. This contemporary chamber musical is set in London and is based on an original idea, book, music & lyrics by Grant. A workshop of material is scheduled for November.