Shows
From Edinburgh to Warsaw, a selection of the shows I've written and produced in the past few years.
The Little Mermaid
December 2025
Nottingham Playhouse
Writer
A reimagining of The Little Mermaid commissioned by the Nottingham Playhouse, our version removed the romance from the classic fairy tale to centre our mermaid's intellectual curiosity and passion for science.
It opened to unanimous rave reviews for a four-week run followed by a tour of schools and libraries in Nottinghamshire.
"Sure to be a hit" Elemental Theatre
"A charming show... perfect for little theatre lovers" East Midlands Theatre
"So incredibly catchy ... a wonderfully entertaining piece of escapism" Kev Castle, Nottingham Radio
Directed by Alessandra Davison
Written by Joe Venable & Rob Gathercole
Produced by Leila Glen for Nottingham Playhouse
Designed by Emma Howson
No Flirting in the Bunker Please
A post-bomb rom-com. When Denzel and Lily fall in love in a nuclear bunker, they're forced to keep their relationship secret. Until Lily gets pregnant and wants to leave - forcing Denzel into an impossible position.
A workshop production at the Hen & Chickens Theatre, with big plans for 2026!
"A fantastic showcase of the composition skills of Kleve and Venable... with a stacked set of songs and whip-smart lyricism, it's a show that packs promise" All That Dazzles
"An impressive, snappy show ★★★★" Theatre and Tonic
December 2025
Hen & Chickens Theatre
Writer / Producer
Music by Kat Kleve
Directed by Jennifer Lane Baker
Produced by Kat Kleve & Joe Venable
Rishi Sunak's Doing A Musical!
July 2024
Waterloo East Theatre
Writer/ Producer
Written in just five weeks for the surprise general election, Rishi Sunak's Doing A Musical told the story of a hapless Prime Minister desperately trying to win over the public with a spectacular stage show at the London Palladium. Unfortunately his writers are not as sympathetic as he'd hoped.
"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
Directed by Mimi Pattinson
Written & produced by Joe Venable & Rob Gathercole
Step Ahead
The story of two sisters twin sisters forced to put aside their own conflicts when their mother becomes gravely ill.
I produced this workshop performance for Harmony Cascade Productions.
July 2024
Waterloo East Theatre
Producer / Performer
Written & directed by Angela Han
Produced by Joe Venable
On Your Bike Switzerland
I was incredibly proud to license our show On Your Bike for performance by a group in Switzerland.
Captivate Bärn, a theatre group led by Robb Correll, had seen the show for its second Edinburgh run and wanted to stage it. As the photos show, they did a stunning job!
May - June 2024
Kunst und Kulturhaus, Bern
Writer
Directed by Robb Correll
Written by Ben James & Joe Venable
On Your Bike Warsaw
After a second smash-hit run at the Edinburgh Fringe (★★★★★ Binge Fringe, ★★★★ Scotsman), our musical On Your Bike went to Poland, for ten performances in Warsaw.
"What a ride!" Mia (10)
"Incredible musical experience" Mateusz (10)
"Perhaps the ending is not very realistic" Nina (10)
November 2023
Kino Electronik, Warsaw
Writer / Producer
Directed by Mimi Pattinson
Written by Ben James & Joe Venable
Produced by Joe Venable, in conjunction with the English Theatre Company Poland
Jingle Street
In January 2023 I co-founded Chordstruck Theatre, a new company making small-scale musicals.
We took two original musicals to the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe. One of them was Jingle Street, the story of a hotshot ad executive who wakes up to find he can only speak in jingles.
Nominated for Best Musical at the Edinburgh Fringe by The Stagey Place (2023) and for the OffFest Awards 2024.
August 2023
Gilded Balloon, EdFringe
Writer / Producer / Sound
Directed by Mimi Pattinson
Written by Georgia Rawlins & Joe Venable
Produced by Joe Venable
On Your Bike
On Your Bike began as a student show, when CUMTS (Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society) commissioned me and Ben James to write its annual Edinburgh show - the slot once held by SiX!
The show was a sell-out hit and won "Best Musical" from Musical Theatre Review. It went on to do a limited run in Cambridge at the Town & Gown Theatre.
With Chordstruck Theatre, I brought it back again in 2023, where it garnered yet more rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.
"Finger clickin' good ★★★★★" Theatre Weekly
"A riotous delight ★★★★★" Binge Fringe
August 2023
Gilded Balloon, EdFringe
Writer / Producer / Sound
August 2021
TheSpace, EdFringe
Writer
Written by Ben James & Joe Venable
2021
Directed by Molly Taylor
Produced by Ella Pound & Rian Craske
2023
Directed by Mimi Pattinson
Produced by Joe Venable