Viral fame, fakery and identity…
The team behind Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) reunite to present a series of workshop performances of Mona Loser, a new musical with an original pop score by British writing duo Kit Buchan and Jim Barne, directed by Tim Jackson.
Director Tim Jackson:
“I am thrilled to be directing the first-ever workshop presentation of Mona Loser. This work-in-progress sharing is a rare opportunity to experience a brand-new musical in its earliest form – alive, raw, and evolving. Kit and Jim have been busy creating something very special, full of their trademark wit, heart, and flair, and I’m delighted to be back working with them.”
Produced by Tim Johanson Productions, with Birmingham Hippodrome, Mona Loser is a contemporary musical set in the music industry about viral fame, fakery and identity, drawing inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the modern monsters created both on and offline.
Four workshop performances will take place at Southwark Playhouse Borough (The Little) from 16–19 July 2025 with all tickets at £20, offering audiences a first glimpse at this new work-in-development. Featuring Melanie-Joyce Bermudez as Mona, these workshops mark the beginning of the creation and development process which is supported by Birmingham Hippodrome’s New Musical Theatre Department, a department dedicated to championing original British musical theatre.
A video of Melaine-Joyce Bermudez singing ‘Dead or Alive‘ has been released this past week, giving audiences the first chance to hear the style of music that will feature in the show.
Writers Kit Buchan and Jim Barne:
“We’re delighted to be premiering Mona Loser in this special workshop production. It’s a show about the pop industry, personas, and the stories we spin – and we can’t wait to see how it connects with a live audience.”
Mona Loser
Southwark Playhouse Borough (The Little)
Performances Dates & Times: July 16-19, 2025
Ticket Prices: £20
https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/mona-loser
Location: Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD
