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 tells a clear story in which the dialogue, songs and usually dance work together to develop the plot and characters. 

The ‘book’ is essentially the musical's dramatic script: its story, characters, dialogue and structure. In a book musical, songs are integrated into that story rather than simply being inserted as entertainment. 

Typical features include; a clear plot, central characters, beginning, middle and end, character development, songs motivated by dramatic situations, songs that advance plot or reveal character, and integration between dialogue, music and movement. 

Show Examples 

Newsies (Alan Menken & Jack Feldman) 

Male song: Santa Fe 

Character: Jack 

Female song: Watch What Happens 

Character: Katherine 

Anastasia (Ahrens & Flaherty) 

Male song: My Petersburg 

Character: Dmitry 

Female song: Journey To The Past 

Character: Anastasia 

The Little Mermaid (Alan Menken & Howard Ashman/Glenn Slater) 

Male song: Her Voice 

Character: Prince Eric 

Female song: Part Of Your World 

Character: Ariel