Beethoven: Edge of Silence
Upcoming Performances
Several Additional Venues Currently in Planning, including another prestigious festival
"Cleverly spun a tale from two strands of the great composer's life."
— Midlands Fringe Review
"Venables exudes tremendous energy and his ability to switch roles with a gesture or a laugh is a joy to watch."
— Euan Rose Reviews Bromsgrove Standard
"A deeply moving and compelling portrait of a musical titan."
— Bum on a Seat
Previous Performances: Midlands Arts Centre, Wolverhampton Fringe.
Compelling one-person theatre
Through original solo performances, Mike Venables transforms remarkable lives into intimate, emotionally engaging theatre. Each production combines meticulous research, compelling storytelling and live music to reveal the human being behind the famous name.
Currently Available for Touring:
Beethoven: Edge of Silence
One Hour. One Actor.
There is Only One Beethoven
Double Bill for 2017
For twice the entertainment and twice the music, we are preparing a double bill for 2027. This will be our offering to audiences in 2027. We take a dramatic peek into the lives of two of the world's greatest composers
Edgar:Enigma of a Life
Behind the magnificent moustache and stirring music stood an unexpectedly playful man. Edward Elgar cycled country lanes, indulged in scientific experiments and immortalised his friends in music. Yet this shopkeeper’s son also struggled with doubt and belonging. His journey from provincial music teacher to national celebrity reveals ambition, affection, humour and the sustaining power of belief.
Beethoven: Edge of Silence
A story of love, defiance and the fight to keep creating.
What happens when a man who lives for music begins to lose his hearing?
Beethoven has music the world will never forget.
But behind it is a man struggling to be loved, haunted by his childhood and confronting a secret he cannot bear to reveal.
The woman he loves faces an impossible choice: a future with him could mean losing her children.
And as his hearing deteriorates, the composer must face the prospect of being cut off from the very thing that gives his life meaning.
Passionate, difficult and fiercely vulnerable, this is Beethoven telling his own story—through intimate drama and live piano, with music that draws you into his memories, desires and battles.
How do you keep creating when your world is falling silent?
And what does extraordinary talent cost the person who possesses it?
Hidden Lives Theatre brings you an hour of love, loss and defiance, for anyone drawn to powerful human stories.
You don’t need to know anything about Beethoven. Come and meet the man.
Watch
Trailer
Watch scenes from Beethoven: Edge of Silence, performed before a live audience and listen to Mike's interview with Black Country Extra Radio. Mike Venables brings the composer’s turbulent story vividly to life in an intimate theatrical performance combining drama, storytelling and live piano music. Discover the passion, humour and defiance of the man behind the musical genius.
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