A COMPOSER from Basingstoke will be taking his new musical about a famous author to Covent Garden this October.

Joseph Purdue, 31, who was born and raised in Basingstoke, will perform A Tale of Fellowship, will be at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden on Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21.

The musical, written by Joseph, follows a young, orphaned J.R.R. Tolkien who, following the sudden death of his mother, finds solace at King Edwards School where he meets three like-minded students.

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As their friendship grows, the idea of a club where the four of them can pursue their artistic dreams together is put forward. Despite heavy disapproval from their parents and guardians, a fellowship is born.

However, their courage is put to the test with the outbreak of the First World War. Each member of the group enlists and Tolkien has to say goodbye, not only to his fellowship, but to Edith, the love of his life. 

Joseph, who attended Bishop Challoner School and Queen Mary's College (QMC) in his youth before moving to London in 2021, is a big fan of The Lord Of The Rings and renowned author J.R.R. Tolkien.

He had originally written a musical called Tolkien, which was performed at the Central Studio at QMC and the Arts Theatre in London's West End in 2016.

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Joseph always had a keen interest in music and developed a keen interest in composing musical theatre while studying at QMC.

He said: "I started really during college, as there was a free piano room all the time which gave me an opportunity to go in there and just play around. I started composing and had a real love for orchestras, and began having a few ideas about musicals.

"J.R.R. Tolkien just fascinated me and what has been created is a reworking of the original story, but looking more at the early part of his life.

"Tolkien and his friends essentially wanted to change the world through art and encourage more support in that field. It is a story about artists, who used the arts to lift each other through some dark times during the First World War.

"My intention with the performance is to encourage others to pursue that artistic dream and don't let those who disapprove discourage you from doing what you are passionate and motivated about doing. I think we should do the thing we’re most passionate about in life and for me that is music."

More information on Joseph can be found at josephpurdue.com, and tickets for A Tale of Fellowship can be found here.