Title: New Musical “Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder” Brings Northern Voices to the West End
In a refreshing change to the traditional West End musical scene, actress Bex Hinds, who plays Stella in the new musical “Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder,” is excited to bring a story about northerners to the stage. The musical follows the journey of two true crime podcast-obsessed friends who find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery.
“We’re two northerners singing about true crime, we really didn’t think it would make it to the West End,” says Bronté Barbé, who plays Stella in the show. Hinds, her co-star, is equally thrilled about “bringing northern female voices to the stage,” especially as it marks the first time Hull has been featured as the setting for a West End musical.
The musical, which explores themes of friendship, belonging, and love, has received praise for its unique storyline and representation of platonic love. Despite being written by two men, the characters of Kathy and Stella have been developed in collaboration with the actresses to create authentic and relatable women.
Originally a “pandemic project,” the play has evolved from its debut at the Edinburgh Fringe festival to successful runs at the Bristol Old Vic and Manchester’s Home. Critics have lauded the show for its power ballads, comic routines, and engaging storyline.
As “Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder” takes the West End stage, it joins a wave of new British musicals making their mark, including “Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)” and “Babies.” The growing diversity and fresh ideas in the theatre landscape are attracting a new audience and breaking down barriers to make theatre accessible to all.
Overall, the musical represents a shift in the West End towards more inclusive and diverse storytelling, showcasing the talent and creativity of a new generation of producers and performers.
