Grayson Perry’s Life Story to Become ‘Outrageous’ Stage Musical

Grayson Perry’s life story will be adapted into an ‘outrageous’ new stage musical co-created with Richard Thomas, the composer of Jerry Springer: The Opera. Titled Grayson the Musical, the production chronicles the artist’s journey from his childhood in Chelmsford to international fame as a Turner Prize-winning ceramicist, tapestry-maker, and cross-dressing fashion icon. Alongside elaborate dresses, the show will feature a supporting role for Alan Measles, Perry’s beloved teddy bear that has appeared in his artwork.

‘When I first started thinking about turning my life into a musical, I realised it already contained most of the essential ingredients – questionable fashion choices and class anxiety amongst them,’ Perry said. ‘Beneath all the comedy however, is a story about trying to work out who you are and if you can ever truly belong. A concept which many may relate to.’

The workshop production will run for five performances in July before further development. It will be staged at Soho Theatre Walthamstow in east London, where Perry maintained a studio for years. One of his most renowned works, The Walthamstow Tapestry, depicting the seven ages of man adorned with brand names, is directly tied to the neighborhood.

Sean Foley will direct the musical, described as an ‘irreverent odyssey’ as Perry navigates identity, creativity, and self-acceptance through marital breakdowns, career disasters, and life coaching from a six-foot teddy bear named Alan. Perry penned the lyrics, with music by Richard Thomas, known for the audacious Jerry Springer: The Opera, and book by Sara-Ella Ozbek, a screenwriter and novelist. A press statement calls it a show ‘about growing up and embracing who you truly are, touching on themes of family, therapy, art and, of course, cross-dressing – you know, all the usual musical comedy tropes.’

Perry previously recounted his life story in the 2006 book Portrait of the Artist as a Young Girl, co-written with Wendy Jones. Last year he toured a stage show titled Are You Good?, which explored morality with audience participation and songs. Workshop performances of Grayson the Musical run from July 16 to 19.

The musical represents the latest chapter in Perry’s varied creative output, blending autobiography, humor, and social commentary. The production aims to draw audiences into his unique perspective while addressing universal themes of belonging and self-discovery.