"Broken Instruments" by William Varnam

I was sent a link to a new audio musical that has been based on a book called "Violins of Hope", written by James Grymes and tells the stories of Jewish musicians and their instruments during World War 2. It has been recorded in 2020 during the height of the Covid pandemic and is now due for public release in September 2021.

Inspired by love and his passion for music, Air Vander, a violin restorer goes through life enthralling audiences with his gorgeous and emotive violin playing. The year is 1938 and Ari’s love for Jazz increases. German authorities have restricted Jews from playing their own music, especially Jazz, and after one risky covert concert Ari’s music spirt is dashed.

The story evolves and Ari learns to love music again after re discovering that love through a friend. The music, and the precious violin lives through the horrors of the Holocaust, and the story continues, as well as the music. We meet the people who he comes across before, during and after World War 2, a story that could have been so different had it not been for his love of the instrument and music. By the end of this story it feels like you have had a virtual hug from the writers, actors and musicians.

The cast are Bill Varnam, Adam Horvath, Jesse Battle, Paul Goldsmith, Mica Loveridge, Kate Spencer, Aaron Belcher, Ivan Stott, Danny Hendrix, Joe Allen, Daniel Ellis, Andrew Buxton and Kelsey Shaw.

The all-original soundtrack is written by Phil Baggaley and Mark Edwards, and anyone who has had the pleasure of hearing their original music before will know that they are in for a treat, as I was as the audio musical cascaded through my headphones.

There are touches of folk and jazzy elements, all wonderfully brought to life by two very talented vocalists, Kelsey Shaw and Mal Pope. Kelsey is a home-grown Nottingham talent and Mal from Wales. Both exquisite to listen to.

The audio is directed by Daniel Ellis who is also responsible for the Sound Design. This in itself brings the story to life by creating pictures in your mind, and I soon found myself whisked away to the several scenes including being on board a ship and the terrible scenes of the Holocaust, all images painted on the inside of my head. Bringing to life the images of Jews being separated and lead off, never to be seen again.

The title track from the musical. 'Broken Instruments' featuring Kelsey Shaw is also available to download if you needed a taster for the soundtrack to this drama. The latest track available from the musical is an achingly beautiful song called "Looking for the Beautiful", sung by Mal Pope & Kelsey Shaw.

I for one would love to see this production on a stage somewhere. I have seen several productions by this group and have left the theatre having my love for a good story, good theatre and amazing original music, completely sated, and I know that if this production did make it to the stage, would be another success. Fingers crossed this will happen again.

This audio drama is available to buy and download as from 6 September via the website www.brokeninstrumentsthemusical.co.uk/audio-drama