For one night only in February, you can attend a sing-a-long screening of the famous Bohemian Rhapsody adaptation from 2018, telling the life story of legendary British rock band Queen, and the late-great Freddie Mercury. Musical biopics are a great way to bring the life of a celebrated artist into the public eye, and this got us thinking about some of our favourites. Here’s what we settled on…

Billy Fury

An overnight sensation who was actually born Ronald Wycherley, Billy Fury’s life was dramatised back in 1994 as a play for BBC Radio. Named The Sound of Fury (after Fury’s debut album), the title role was filled by Anton Lesser. Another documentary with the same name was released in 2015.

The Buddy Holly Story

With an Academy Award-winning soundtrack and a nominated lead performance from Gary Busey, The Buddy Holly Story was released back in 1978. If you’re already a fan of Buddy Holly and haven’t seen it, we highly recommend it, and you’ll be amazed at how close Gary Busey’s portrayal of Holly is to the real thing.

The Doors

1991’s The Doors puts the emphasis squarely on the life of Jim Morrison, the lead vocalist, and it’s this larger-than-life controversial depiction of Morrison that caused some criticism at the time. Nevertheless, the film has since become something of a sleeper hit, and is regarded as a cult classic.

Bohemian Rhapsody

As mentioned, the 2018 release Bohemian Rhapsody definitely belongs on our list, winning a total of 4 academy awards that included a Best Actor accolade for Rami Malek.

The Pianist

Based on the autobiographical book that was the memoir of Holocaust survivor Władysław Szpilman, this 2002 film’s retelling of the Polish-Jewish composer won several Academy Awards, and was also included in the BBC list that compiled the 100 Greatest Films of the 21st Century. Władysław Szpilman famously survived the German occupation of Warsaw, and his inspirational story is well worth exploring.

What’s Love Got To Do With It

The biopic of Tina Turner from 1993 featured the famous song “I Don’t Wanna Fight”, which soared to number one in no less than seven countries. Although Tina Turner herself has claimed to never have finished watching the film, the motion picture was and is highly acclaimed, especially as a result of Angela Bassett’s performance in the title role.

Elvis

Elvis Presley’s life story has been told numerous times over the years, but that doesn’t mean that people’s fascination with him is beginning to wane. In fact, a new musical biopic of The King of Rock (to be written and directed by Baz Luhrman) is scheduled for release in 2021! One to look forward to.

Glenn Miller Story

Going way back to 1954, this eponymous biopic was Anthony Mann and James Stewart’s second non-western collaboration, and was originally going to be called Moonlight Serenade. The scope of the film spans all the way from Glenn Miller’s early days as a big band leader, through to his death in 1944.

Karen Carpenter Story

A made-for-television biographical, this adaptation from 1989 actually covers the lives of both Karen and Richard Carpenter, as the brother and sister pop duo were so closely linked. Richard Carpenter was involved as the producer of the film, although his feelings about the biopic have seemingly fluctuated over time. Despite the sad ending to Karen Carpenter’s life, the film biopic nevertheless tries to end on as happy a note as possible.

Rocketman

A release from just last year telling the life story of Elton John, this biopic takes its name from the 1972 hit song “Rocket Man”. Both Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, were heavily involved in the production of the film, but despite this the script still employs quite a bit of creative license.

Do you have any more favourite music biopics, or does our list cover your picks as well?

Don’t forget to book your tickets soon to enjoy our sing-a-long showing of Bohemian Rhapsody, and do keep an eye on our upcoming events too, as you never know when we might revisit some of these famous stories on our stage!