SCORES
THE SANCTUARY STONES
Musical Theatre
Music by Nicholas Keyworth
Words by Philip Jamieson
ABOUT
The third musical theatre piece alongside The Story of the Great White Horse (2024), and The Moonrakers (2025), The Sanctuary Stones also has its roots lost in the time of ancient Wiltshire in the South West of England.
The ancient protector of the Wiltshire plains (Hybrida), call the creatures (Dryads) to the Sanctuary Stones to protect the, from the dangers of the midwinter night. By day, they transform into beautiful winged creatures.
But their very existence is threatened by the Ravens who hunt them for their prey. Only the magic of the Aurora Borealis can give the dryads the power they need to transform and build a bigger and better Sanctuary – Stonehenge.
The circle of Standing Stones in Avebury, Wiltshire
Benjamin as Hybrida in the premiere performance
Ravens in the premiere performance
PERFORMERS
Hybrida Narrator and singer (tenor). The ‘father of the ancient grasslands’. Initially half insect half human, this more ‘advanced’ creature ultimately transforms into the Head Druid.
Dryads/Druids Singing and movement for ages 7-11. These ‘Creatures of the forest’ are initially bugs who metamorphose into Butterflies, and ultimately transform into Druids (humans).
Ravens Led by the ‘Head Raven’ – an adult dancer/choreographer, with 5-6 children aged approx 15 and mainly involved in movement/dance but with some singing. These are a group of scavenger birds initially predatory but ultimately merely passive observers.
INSTRUMENTATION
flute, trumpet in Bb, cello, piano and percussion
(OR piano OR backing tracks)
DURATION
30:00
DATE OF COMPOSITION
2026
PERFORMANCES
Commissioned by Spotlight Festival 2026
Supported by Trinity College London and Eduprogress Thailand.
World Premiere: 8 March 2026, BACC, Bangkok, Thailand
MUSICAL NUMBERS
- The Sanctuary Stones
- Welcome the Sun
- The Quick and the Dead
- Compromise
- Aurora Borealis
- Solstice
Composer Nicholas Keyworth & Writer Philip Jamieson
‘Congratulation for your latest premiere production… another charming show. I love how you combine all elements into a concise and beautiful performance. Music is just lovely, a combination of catchy songs and lively underscores… enhancing the story and emotions. A wonderful concept of building the foundations of Musical Theatre for young performers.’
Krisada Reyes (Composer).
The Dryads transformation into butterflies in the premiere performance
‘You gotta be quick – or you’re dead!’
Hybrida and the Druids in the premiere performance
The iconic 6,000 year old Stonehenge in Wiltshire – the culmination of The Sanctuary Stones.