Unfolding is a funny, heart-rending and life-affirming new musical, featuring the song It Starts Small, which won the Stiles+Drewe Song Prize, and as recorded by the incredible Ramin Karimloo. It enjoyed an industry sharing on July 14th, 2026, directed by the brilliant Grace Taylor and with a fabulously talented West End cast, in the Studio of The Other Palace Theatre, London.
Industry sharing rehearsals:
Gina Beck (Rose), Billy Roberts (Mark), Eva-Rose Tanaka (Tessa), Jodie Jacobs (Florence), Mel Lowe (Natasha), Christina Modestou (Carly), Ralph Bogard (multiple)
Rehearsal photographs for the Other Palace sharing by Laura Vieceli
ABOUT THE SHOW
Unfolding is a two-act musical, with book, music and lyrics by comic creator, Emma Vieceli. Since winning the Stiles+Drewe Best New Song prize, the show has enjoyed workshops, readings, recordings and a sold-out, four-night regional run at the ADC Theatre in Cambridge, inspiring rave reviews and emotional feedback. The show has attracted support and input from leading creative figures in the industry and audiences alike. Off the back of its Cambridge run, this story inspired supporters to donate an overwhelming £18,900 towards its next steps (funding an industry sharing at The Other Palace in London); with further offers of angel investment into the show's future from audience members moved by the story and music.
SYNOPSIS & THEMES
Rose and Mark have been penpals since they were twelve years old. They've shared everything in their little world made from ink...at least, that's what they thought. Some shocking news is about to force Rose into a long-awaited confrontation with her own emotions; driving her to board a plane to America, process her own father's suicide, and find the courage to confront the man she thought she knew in Mark. The emotional journey might just save a life; and let Rose lay the foundations for a future she can finally dare to see.
Ultimately an uplifting story, Unfolding tackles themes such as male mental health, domestic abuse, suicide and the importance of connecting to others. While this all sounds very weighty, it is a heartwarming, funny and life-affirming story that focuses on friendship and encourages the audience to ask “what’s the BEST that can happen?”
A small sizzle reel of music from the show can be found here.
