Jon Hare is a writer, lyricist and composer living in South East England.
His folk-infused musical, With Courage, ran at London’s The Other Palace in September 2024, to celebrate 200 years of the RNLI.
Listen to Jon talking about the show on BBC Radio Cornwall’s Breakfast Show.
Jon Hare has been making up songs and stories as far back as he can remember.
His books and musicals to date are inspired by everything from World War One family history, living in the snowy mountains of Northern Norway, and childhood holidays on the Salcombe Estuary, to an awe for the magical fantasy worlds of Middle Earth and Hogwarts, and a love for 80s music.
Two witnesses to a maritime disaster resolve to support the futures of the families of those lost, while a modern day coxswain’s daughter grapples with her family’s long legacy of life-saving.
After the devastating loss of crews responding to the shipwreck of the Mexico off the coast of Southport in 1886, Charles and Marion Macara launch their own mission with an initiative that will change the course of charity fundraising across the nation.
Newly qualified navigator, Shannon, feeling ever in the shadow of her station-legend dad, Eddie, awaits the chance to prove she has earnt her place on their lifeboat.
Centuries have passed, equipment evolved, but the courage remains the same. As a sinking yacht issues a desperate mayday call, and with time running out, Shannon faces the age-old question for mariners past:
How far will you go to save the life of a stranger?
With Courage was commissioned by PlayWell Productions with development supported by Arts Council England, Sylvia Waddilove Foundation, Lighthouse Poole, New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, Mercury Theatre Colchester, and Spun Glass Theatre.
Other musicals
The First Chris Moose
Never give up on your dreams, however ridiculous they may seem.
Fun-loving young Chris Moose has always dreamed of flying. But everyone knows a moose can’t fly. Setting out on a perilous journey north to find the legendary SNOR (Secret Network of Reindeer) who, rumour has it, might be able to help, Chris soon discovers not all of the reindeer want to let a moose play their reindeer games. Can Chris become the first moose in history to pull the famous sleigh?
Charming - the 80s Musical
A bankrupt Kingdom lies stuck in the grip of 80s music.
Twenty-five years after a paparazzi sting wrecked the marriage of Prince Charming to Cinderella, can their daughter Princess Eloise uncover the truth about her missing parents and, in doing so, break the well-intentioned spell of an interfering Fairy Godmother?
Never Again
1914 Britain, and nine young men and women face life-changing choices for their futures.
Family responsibilities are pitched against patriotic duty, as the call to arms rips through once-close communities. New friendships are forged that will only last for as long as they can stay alive. Who will return home and what will remain for those who survive?