Hilary Brooks is a freelance musical director, arranger, composer and pianist. She has a wealth of experience in theatre, film and television. Her credits include composing, orchestrating and producing the film score for The Eastern Bride with The City of Prague Philhamonic Orchestra. Hilary’s many other achievements include the musical direction and arrangements for the award-winning stage productions Sunshine On Leith and Sondheim’s masterpiece Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
What drew you to a career in music?
I knew I’d never be bored. Working in music provides enough stimulation for ten lifetimes. I grew up surrounded by and playing music. I started writing songs at the age of 14 and the desire to create has never left me; it’s a strange compulsion.
How would you describe your work?
Eclectic. Engrossing. Entertaining. Narrative driven. I spend half my working life as a Musical Director in theatre, making shows like Sunshine on Leith and Glasgow Girls, which require a total submersion in the material, emerging only after an opening night. I love writing in collaboration. Since 2007 I have written musicals and songs with the fabulous lyricist and book writer Clive King. Another favourite collaborator is Scottish composer Karen MacIver. We wrote and performed a series of new works for two grand pianos under the name PIANOPIANO. Scores are coming to the SMC shop soon…
What positive and negative aspects have you found lockdown has had on your work?
Like most of my peers in music and theatre I’m worried about the future. I was looking forward to being MD and Arranger on John Byrne’s new musical ‘Underwood Lane’ due to premiere at The Tron this summer. Now postponed till 2021.
A positive aspect is having time to get my digital musical house in order (after painting my walls) – to make them available to buy or hire at the SMC shop!
The video will be available from A Play, a Pie and Pint’s YouTube channel and they have set up a JustGiving page for donations to the NHS.