Jonathan O'Neill (he/him)
Jonathan is a queer theatre maker who has a passion for innovative musicals and making theatre accessible. Graduating as a musical theatre performer from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland during Covid, lockdown made him shift his focus to writing and has since been developing his portfolio, creating new musicals and audio dramas, collaborating with other creatives in Scotland.
​
Jonathan is particularly interested in exploring queer history and experimenting with styles and forms that defy the standard musical theatre structure. Character, connection, and curiosity are at the heart of all his work and he enjoys exploring pieces and concepts dramaturgically to find the most interesting and impactful way into a story.
Jonathan O’Neill as Rowan in Stay at
Capital Theatres Musical Scratch Night.
Jonathan frequently works as a lyricist/book-writer alongside collaborative partner Isaac Savage, forming the 'O’Neill & Savage' musical writing partnership.
Together, they are currently working on two commissions: a full-length musical about the Scottish village of Bonnybridge and a musical adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk.
​
Combining his passions for musical theatre and audio drama, Jonathan is also currently developing an audio musical called The Order of Chaeronea, based on the UK’s first queer activist group in the late Victorian era. After receiving a small research grant to undertake historical research on the group, he is now applying for heritage funding in order to write, record and release the first series, co-produced with Sanctuary Queer Arts.
Outside of his writing work, Jonathan regularly teaches at the RCS and runs workshops around Glasgow, exploring musical theatre-making skills and making writing accessible for young people.
You can find Jonathan's full CV here.