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 that deliberately imitates the sound and theatrical conventions of an earlier musical period or style. 

The important word is deliberately. A musical written in 1950 that sounds like 1950 isn't pastiche; a musical written decades later that deliberately recreates that sound can be. 

Typical features include; references to older musical styles, period harmonies and orchestration, imitation of historical song forms, affectionate parody, stylised acting and sometimes deliberate theatrical clichés. 

Show Examples 

The Drowsy Chaperone (Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison) 

Male song: Cold Feets 

Character: Robert/George 

Female song: Show Off 

Character: Janet 

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Steven Lutvak) 

Male song: Foolish To Think 

Character: Monty 

Female song: I Don’t Know What I’d Do 

Character: Sibella 

The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Rupert Holmes) 

Male song: A Man Could Go Quite Mad 

Character: Jasper 

Female song: Moonfall 

Character: Rosa