Award-winning writer and lyricist for musical theatre
Joe Venable
About Me
I'm a lyricist, book-writer and theatre producer, originally from Southampton but now living in London.
I try to write playful but emotionally incisive lyrics, with the goal of making people believe they may in fact enjoy going to the theatre. Social justice is a recurring strand in my work, with themes of greed, overwork and empathy consistently cropping up.
This December, two of my shows are unexpectedly opening on the same week - scroll down for more details!
Forthcoming Shows
For more, visit my Shows page.
Jingle Street
A jaded ad executive wakes up to find he can only speak in jingles. Music by Georgia Rawlins.
"A wonderfully funny masterpiece - ★★★★★"
Musical Talk
"Hilarious... a must-see"
The Stagey Place
NOMINATED for Best Musical at Edinburgh Fringe 2023
"Touching and nuanced... an incredibly creative musical - ★★★★★"
Theatre Weekly
On Your Bike
A four-hander musical about food delivery riders caught up in a rivalry between two chicken shops. Music by Ben James.
"A stunning achievement - raucously witty - ★★★★★" BingeFringe
"A riotous delight of a show - ★★★★★"
Musical Theatre Review
WINNER, Best Musical at Edinburgh Fringe 2021
"Finger-clicking good - ★★★★★"
Theatre Weekly
Rishi Sunak's Doing A Musical!
An election satire created in just six weeks ahead of the 2024 snap election. Co-written with Rob Gathercole.
"Gloriously silly - the writing is pin-sharp - ★★★★"
Daily Telegraph
"Top-tier satire... expertly written ★★★★"
All That Dazzles
"Absolutely hilarious... a total audience-pleaser ★★★★"
Theatre & Tonic
December 2025:
The Little Mermaid
A fresh musical spin on the classic fairy-tale, coming to Nottingham Playhouse from December 2025. Tickets here.
Co-written with Rob Gathercole
Directed by Alessandra Davison
Produced by Leila Glen
Designed by Emma Howson
December 2025:
No Flirting in the Bunker Please
Two teens fall in love in a nuclear bunker - until one gets pregnant and they face an impossible choice. Coming to Hen & Chickens Theatre this December 4-6th. Tickets here.
Co-written with Kat Kleve
Produced by Kat Kleve & Joe Venable
More Stuff
Previous Shows and Reviews
I post comic songs and other odds and ends on Tiktok here: tiktok.com/@joe.venable.
I write irregularly about politics and social issues on Substack: substack.com/upstartjoe.
You can listen to the "On Your Bike" cast recording on Spotify here.
Awards & Reviews
For On Your Bike (2021)
WINNER
Best Musical
"A stunning achievement...
raucously witty to its core"
"Succeeds in highlighting some serious social issues...
the strength is in James and Venable's writing which is thoroughly engaging"
at
Edinburgh Fringe 2021
For Jingle Street (2023)
"Hilarious...
an incredibly creative musical"
Theatre Weekly
"A wonderfully funny
masterpiece"
Musical Talk
NOMINATED
Best New Musical
The Stagey Place, Fringe 2024
For Rishi Sunak's Doing A Musical (2024)
"Gloriously silly... the writing is pin-sharp."
Daily Telegraph
"Top-tier satire... expertly written."
All That Dazzles
"Absolutely hilarious... a total audience-pleaser."
Theatre & Tonic
Lyrics I've Written
FAST TRACK
Charlie wonders if now's the time for one last big heist. From the musical No Cash Left on the Premises Overnight, music by Ben James, book & lyrics by Joe Venable. Performed by Lara Cosmetatos, with Nicole Tilby and Charlotte Dargan.
THE BIT
A love song, from the musical On Your Bike, music by Ben James, book & lyrics by Joe Venable. Performed by Emilia Grace and Dominic Carrington.
MR TICKLE: A TWO-MINUTE MUSICAL
Two minutes of pure tickle fun - from my Tiktok (click here for more)
For more see My Work
ON YOUR BIKE CAST RECORDING
You can listen to the cast recording of On Your Bike with the player above, or on Spotify here.
Articles
My words from around the web
for Chortle
for Varsity
from my Substack
Photo credits: Lucy Korzeniowska