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 builds its score mainly from popular songs that already existed before the musical was written. 

The songs may all come from one artist/group, or from several artists. The story can either be fictional or based on the life of the original performer. 

Typical features include; pre-existing popular songs, recognisable hits, pop/rock vocal styles, familiar song structures and new dramatic contexts created for existing music. 

Show Examples 

Mamma Mia! (Songs of ABBA) 

Male song: Knowing Me, Knowing You 

Character: Sam 

Female song: The Name Of The Game 

Character: Sophie 

We Will Rock You (Songs of Queen) 

Male song: I Want To Break Free 

Character: Galileo 

Female song: Somebody To Love 

Character: Scaramouche 

All Shook Up (Songs associated with Elvis Presley) 

Male song: Jailhouse Rock 

Character: Chad 

Female song: Fools Fall In Love 

Character: Natalie