Seven and a Half Years

written and performed by Mark Glentworth
produced by MMGMUSIC PRODUCTIONS
directed by Julia Stubbs

From Mark Glentworth, the composer of the world-famous percussion piece ‘Blues for Gilbert’ and long-time collaborator with Steven Berkoff, comes a heartfelt autobiographical musical.

A true story told through the power of music about the life of successful musician/composer Mark Glentworth, this award-winning solo musical tells an extraordinary, uplifting story for our times of success, despair and redemption. Join Mark on his touching, humorous and emotional musical journey.

Creative Team

Director: Julia Stubbs | Lighting Designer for Jack Studio performances: Jonny Danciger | Production Manager for Jack Studio performances: Marcus Glentworth | PR & Production Photography: Grey Swan | Produced by MMGMUSIC PRODUCTIONS.

2022 performance dates

7-12 June at Jack Studio Theatre, London.

7-9 July at The Garrison, Chelmsford Fringe Festival.

5-27 August at theSPACE at Surgeons’ Hall, Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

For more, visit the show’s website: SevenandahalfYears

At the age of 16, Mark Glentworth was one of the youngest students to study percussion at the Royal Northern College of Music. After graduating, he started working in London as a freelance percussionist in all styles of music.

Mark has worked with Steven Berkoff, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Peter Maxwell Davis’s Fires of London, The BBC Symphony Orchestra and The London Sinfonietta. His composition work has covered a wide spectrum of music ranging from commercial songwriting to orchestral composition and opera.

Mark is also the composer of the world-famous ‘Blues for Gilbert’ the most performed solo tuned percussion piece of all time.

I wrote a piece they all want to play

Reviews for Seven and a Half Years

★★★★ “polished performance… Since the short run of this show last year, a part of my memory was still wrapped up in this story… Welcome back to Edinburgh!” Musical Theatre Review (2022)

★★★★ “Glentworth rises to the challenge of the role magnificently… Directed by Julia Stubbs, the result is a moving piece of theatre.” ReviewsGate

“Glentworth is a talented composer and this shines through… It’s a beautiful tale of hope and mental health struggles.” LOST in Theatreland

“Glentworth has a lovely, rustic voice and his lyrics are deep and meaningful… A story discussing important and relevant themes” Theatre Travels

★★★★ “a biographical work like nothing else I have ever seen… this show tells his survivor’s story in an expression of hope… There are several very well-crafted songs in the show: songs not only from the heart but touching the heart of the listeners.” Musical Theatre Review (2021)

Runner-Up ‘BEST MUSICAL’ Musical Theatre Review’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2021 Awards

“This music is very, very moving” Actor/Writer Steven Berkoff

One of ‘Ten To See!’

Musical Theatre Review’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe Preview

“This is a uniquely candid autobiographical work that merited a special mention from MTR at last year’s Festival. Having time to develop and bringing in Julia Stubbs as director can only be welcomed as Mark Glentworth has a fine tale to tell.”

Read the full Musical Theatre Review preview article here

“If you attended Fringe 2021, you might have been lucky enough to catch ‘Seven And A Half Years’, acclaimed musician and composer Mark Glentworth’s autobiographical one man musical. If you didn’t, you’re in luck, because he’s back this year for a full run at theSpace @ Surgeon’s Hall.”

Read the full ThreeWeeks Q&A with Mark here

Audience Reviews for Seven and a Half Years

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022

In Seven and a Half Years Mark Glentworth takes the audience on a journey to the depths of human adversity and back to a life-affirming conclusion. He presents his own story with powerful acting and singing while deftly accompanying himself on the piano. I left the theatre with hope that the most difficult problem can be overcome. This show is a tour de force, a must-see. Do yourself a favour, it makes life worth living.
This was an amazing show with such a personal and beautiful story. The music was perfect for telling the story and you could feel the raw emotion in Mark’s singing. Touches on some topics such as mental health that are too frequently dismissed in today’s society. Beautiful story and performance. 10/10.
Wonderfully evocative, thoughtfully constructed and well presented on the night. This story of a man’s struggle with his inner demons should teach us all something about the human condition. We felt the power of this personal story and were moved by it. Thank you.
Absolutely brilliant and tear-jerking piece of musical theatre that deserves way more plaudits. Mark tells the story of his life in a unique, spell-bounding and emotional way with perfect vocals and piano playing. Couldn’t recommend it enough!