IMPORTANT: Please note that this guidance pertains to the updated 2027 Musical Theatre Syllabus (for exams taken from 1st January 2027 onwards). For guidance relating to the 2021 Musical Theatre Syllabus (for exams taken before 31st December 2026), please see here: Musical Theatre Exams (Solo / Duo) - 2021 SYLLABUS

Definition: A musical designed primarily to entertain through a light or comic story, memorable songs, colourful characters and often lots of dance. 

Typical features include; comedy, strong characterisation, catchy tunes, witty lyrics, dance numbers, romantic subplots, comic timing and larger-than-life characters. 

Show Examples 

Guys and Dolls (Frank Loesser) 

Male song: Luck Be A Lady 

Character: Sky Masterson 

Female song: If I Were A Bell 

Character: Sarah Brown 

Anything Goes (Cole Porter) 

Male song: Easy To Love 

Character: Billy Crocker 

Female song: Anything Goes 

Character: Reno Sweeney 

Me and My Girl (Noel Gay) 

Male song: Leaning On A Lamp-post 

Character: Bill Snibson 

Female song: Once You Lose Your Heart 

Character: Sally Smith