A love letter to the NHS and a middle finger to the Hollywood birth narrative, BIRTH is a darkly comic, moving - and at times gloriously camp - new musical examining what it really means to start a family: risk, loss of control, and community.

Music & Lyrics by Robert Moutrey & Sam Asbury
Book by Haley McGee (Olivier Award-nominated Age Is A Feeling)

PRONK! Productions is seeking a freelance Arranger & Musical Director (R&D) to support the development of BIRTH: The Musical, culminating in a rehearsed sharing at Soho Theatre Walthamstow in July 2026.

This role combines two functions: arranging and musical direction. Across May to mid-July, you will work with the writers and creative team to arrange selected songs for 7 voices and piano, supporting the translation of songwriter-led material into a theatrical form suitable for rehearsal and performance.

The focus is on clarity, musical storytelling, and ensemble writing - not full orchestration. You will help shape harmony, structure, and vocal distribution so the material can function effectively in the room.

In July, you will step into the role of Musical Director for a 6-day rehearsal period, leading music calls from the piano, accompanying rehearsals, and working with cast on vocal delivery and ensemble cohesion, and supporting the integration of music with staging and choreography.

This is an R&D process. The goal is to test and strengthen the material for sharing, rather than finalise it.

The role is offered on a fixed fee of £4,016.82, covering:
- Approximately 8-10 days of arranging and development work, scheduled flexibly across the R&D period
- 6 rehearsal days (MD & pianist)

You will work closely with the writers, director, and choreographer, contributing musical insight while respecting the authorship of the songwriting team.