About

Accidental purple person, Meg McGrady (they/them) is a neurodivergent nonbinary musical theatre creative having worked as a composer, producer, writer and performer. Driven, collaborative, and a vocal activist, Meg studied Musical Theatre at the BRIT School and Theatre and Social Change at Rose Bruford.

Meg has worked on a vast range of new theatre pieces as a writer and composer including the award-winning The Phase (VAULT Festival), Wonderland in Alice (Octagon Bolton), iNk’D (Peagus Theatre), The Planet Is _____ (Theatre Deli / Other Palace), and Burst! 2023 (BYMT and Candoco). Other work-in-progress shows include I found you a cool rock, Rosalind, and Worn Out.

On top of being a writer, Meg has been a freelance producer since 2020 working on independent projects like MTPRIDE 2020 (Digital Festival), Sinqueerly Me (The Other Palace), Creating Consciously Panel Series (with MTN), and recently co-produced their musical The Phase at VAULT Festival 2023 with CHROMATIC Creatives. They have completed placements with Punchdrunk Enrichment (Route 158) and Tramshed (New Found Arts Festival). Currently they are working as a Production Assistant with Julie Clare Productions and Joy Productions.

Awards

Recipient of the Jane Goodman Writing Fund 2023

Nominee for VAULT Festival's Show of The Week 2023

Offie's Commendation for The Phase 2023

Finalist for BYMT's New Music Award 2022 with Rosalind

Winner of the Stiles and Drewe Vision, Voice and Potential Prize 2020 with Broken Guitar from The Phase

Finalist for BYMT's New Music Award 2019 with The Phase

Photo by Christa Holka

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Music Style explorer

Rock / Pop Punk

Writing in the pop-punk and rock genre is where I find my happiest creative space. My teenage years spent immersed in pop-punk continue to fuel my music today, keeping my punk roots very much alive. I draw inspiration from the flamboyant energy of Queen, the dynamic intensity of Paramore, the genre-bending creativity of Twenty One Pilots, and the rebellious spirit of Green Day.

The Argument (Live at SIGNAL) from The PhaseMeg McGrady and Zoe Morris

00:00 / 01:40

Turn The White To Red from Wonderland in AliceMeg McGrady

00:00 / 01:29

Why Must I Grow? from Wonderland in AliceMeg McGrady

00:00 / 03:55

Classic Musical Theatre

Having immersed myself in musical theatre since I was twelve, I've developed a deep passion for creating classic musical theatre music. My lifelong dedication to this art form drives me to continually explore and listen to more, allowing me to infuse my work with a rich, authentic understanding of the genre.

The Confrontation from The PhaseMeg McGrady and Zoe Morris

00:00 / 03:21

Quaranqueen from On HopeMeg McGrady and Laura McGrady

00:00 / 04:00

The Tale of the Troll King from Worn OutMeg McGrady and Zoe Morris

00:00 / 03:27

Pop / Pop Synth

I love pulling from the lush and atmospheric synth-pop soundscapes in my music. In particular, I love drawing inspiration from the ethereal tones of Kate Bush, the modern flair of Chappell Roan, the vibrant energy of Paramore's After Laughter, and the dark, introspective edge of Billie Eilish.

Curious from Wonderland in AliceMeg McGrady

00:00 / 03:16

Somewhere in the MiddleMeg McGrady

00:00 / 03:12

Folk / Indie

My indie and folk music is deeply influenced by the soulful harmonies of The Staves and the intimate, heartfelt storytelling of dodie. These artists inspire me to craft songs that resonate with honesty and warmth, blending delicate melodies with poignant lyrics.

Broken Guitar from The PhaseMeg McGrady and Zoe Morris

00:00 / 03:34

Connection from I found you a cool rockMeg McGrady

00:00 / 03:09

BurntMeg McGrady

00:00 / 01:57

Verbatim

My verbatim music draws inspiration from the groundbreaking musicals London Road and Public Domain, which brilliantly transform real-life conversations into compelling narratives. Inspired by this innovative approach, I strive to create music that captures the raw authenticity of human experiences, weaving together spoken word and melody to tell powerful, true-to-life stories.

Many Soundscape from The Planet Is _____Meg McGrady

00:00 / 01:08

The Lives of Ordinary People from The Planet Is _____Meg McGrady and Natasha Pavey

00:00 / 03:19

PRAISE FOR MEG's WORK

For Wonderland in Alice

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"[Wonderland In Alice is] a fresh, modern take on this classic tale that stands apart from the numerous other musical adaptations that have come before." - Musical Theatre Review

For The Phase

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“It is a complete delight to experience a new British musical with both a catchy and structurally sophisticated score that matches its quick, witty and emotionally intelligent book pound for pound...The Phase is a story everyone should to see, if for no other reason than you can say you saw it before it was famous. To any producers out there wondering what your next project might be? These writers, this cast, this show, would be a pretty great place to start.”

- All That Dazzles

✭✭✭✭

“Queer joy is always incredible to witness and The Phase, by writers Zoe Morris and Meg Grady, is a show which does queer joy well.”
- Binge Fringe

"Such a lovely queer musical"

- People Of Theatre

“The production has a lot of heart, with the pop-punk songs in particular being excellent and tuneful.”
- The Play's The Thing UK

✭✭✭✭

"The Phase is a show which knows its identity and retains it throughout. Every moment is cohesive and feels quite genuinely like a school drama...Mention must also go to how accessible the team have made the show. With sensory items available as well as chill out spaces, the whole experience embodies inclusivity and is certainly paving the way for others. The show has just finished its run at the Vault Festival, but there's sure to be a future life for The Phase and it will continue to spread joy via a touching storyline and absolutely killer vocals."

- Rewrite This Story