Everyone has a story…Award-winning music director, arranger and orchestrator Bryan Schimmel, has been at the musical helm of blockbuster musical theatre hits such as Jersey Boys, We Will Rock You, Chicago, Rent, Annie and The Rocky Horror Show.

Bryan is best known for co-creating and performing in the original A Handful of Keys in which he thrilled audiences with a dazzling display of pianistic virtuosity and his infectious sense of humour. Twenty-five years later Bryan pulls back the curtain to reveal the real person behind the maestro. More Than A Handful takes us on an autobiographical journey interspersed with Bryan’s unparalleled mastery at the piano, exploring the adversities he had to face in order to succeed. 

 Everyone has a story - this one is Bryan's. The production unites the original creative team of A Handful of Keys, under the direction of Alan Swerdlow and with setting by Denis Hutchinson.

The unique mix of musicality, quirky, dead pan wit and an inspirational account of a lifetime of overcoming the odds makes More Than A Handful a show that audiences will not want to miss!

BRYAN SCHIMMEL: MORE THAN A HANDFUL takes the audience on an autobiographical 'rise-and-fall-and-rise-again' journey interspersed with Bryan’s unparalleled mastery at the piano.   “18 months of Lockdown have been indescribably difficult for many of us in the live theatre industry. But it has also been an opportunity to be creative”, says Schimmel.

“In 2016 I started giving TedTalk-type speeches about the events that have shaped my life. The reception to these speeches was extremely positive. So during lockdown, I used the luxury of time to create and develop a project that combines elements and content from those speeches with piano playing and entertainment, to create a unique live theatrical event”.

Schimmel reunites with award-winning designer Denis Hutchinson (A Handful of Keys, Freud’s Last Session, Forever Plaid) and highly acclaimed director Alan Swerdlow (A Handful of Keys, The King & I, History Boys), who has co-written the script with Schimmel. “I am going to be doing things in this show that I have never done before and look forward to the challenge”, adds Schimmel, excitedly.

The production is produced by VR Theatrical (Rock of Ages, Here’s to You, Avenue Q) who are renowned for getting behind new and developmental theatre projects. In the spirit of shepherding new producing talent, singer and actress Lorri Strauss (Rent, We Will Rock You, Loving You) joins the team of this show as Associate Producer.

Schimmel’s unique mix of musicality, quirky dead pan wit, and an inspirational account of a fascinating life, make BRYAN SCHIMMEL: MORE THAN A HANDFUL a thoroughly engaging and entertaining show that will inspire audiences.

Audience Responses

Excellent verbal talent and script, but more piano would have been great!

Excellent verbal talent and script, but more piano would have been great!

We really enjoyed it, also found his story very moving. My only negative comments is that he didn't play the keyboard enough! what a maestro.

An excellent and interesting account of a life faced with difficult challenges from an early age reflecting huge resolve to succeed in overcoming them. We would have enjoyed hearing more extracts from the numerous shows Bryan has produced, JERSEY BOYS, Chicago etc. The few pieces we heard displayed a wonderful talent which we enjoyed immensely. Nonetheless a great show, thank you.

After seeing 'A Handful of Keys' no less than 4 times, I was very pleased to see that Brian Schimmel was still around. The show gave me quite a jolt, and a very deep look into a lot of pain. How little we know of others. Having said this, I would have liked a bit more piano with it. He makes magic on a keyboard doesn't he! SO very glad we saw the show.

I loved it! So beautiful and honest. I hope it will return so that I can watch it again and again and again…

Outstanding performance!! Thoroughly enjoyed. Any chance of Jonathan Roxmouth?

Absolutely tops! Well thought out, humerous, entertaining, inspirational! My brother could join him as his side-kick, 'cos he pppplays the dddrums - but then the show would be 4 hrs long! Ha Ha

Honest, touching and laced with humour. Excellent

He is a great actor and entertainer. Fantastic pianist. Loved the heartwarming show

Was expecting a more light-hearted evening because of the association with Handful of Keys, so whilst it was unexpected, it was still a special evening and I felt privaledged to hear Brian's story. The sound queues were perfectly timed and sound balance perfect. (Could have done with one more piano piece. I get that he was saying he's more than a pianist, but he plays so beautifully)! Thank you.

The show was very special. It is not often we get to hear a story with such a real look at life in the first person who is still an industry professional. A master class in living life and facing up to it in black and white, like the keys of a piano! I hope it has many more shows!

An admirable, brave and unusual performance. Riveting and well performed.

A great musician with the courage to share his life story despite his obvious impediment. I think I'd have liked a little more music but really enjoyed what there was.

Brave, amazing and courageous man and show. I thoroughly enjoyed his performance and the piano playing was superb.

I did shed a tear or two. Brian certainly got my emotions running. Would have liked a bit more on the piano

What a man!!! What a story !!! A brilliant performance - on and off the piano. Thank you Bryan Schimell for sharing your story with us.

Really excellent!

Bryan to have played keyboard more

I would have preferred a bit more of his piano playing which is superb.

I would have preferred a bit more of his piano playing which is superb.

What a well put together, engaging and most enjoyable show. It was personal and professional.....very well done. 5 stars!

We (group of 4) really loved the show. Bryan really revealed so much and it was wonderful to find out more about him and experience his incredible musical talent. How special to have such great theatre in Somerset West.. thank you!

I was a bit disappointed, because I expected a lot more of his virtuosity on the keyboard. The story of his life on stage was a brave thing to, and very different from mine, being exactly the same age, but I'm much more interested in his music!

WOW! This show was completely different from what I expected but Hats Off to Bryan. What a gifted and brave man. His story was mind boggling and his honesty captivating. It was good to know that he came to terms with his conflict with his Father and wonderful that he had such a close relationship with his Mother. Well done to an exceptional one man show.

What an incredible performance. Weaving a life story with humor, vulnerability, raw reality, and professionalism through his incredible keyboard talent. A show and night to remember for ever. Thank you Bryan.

Brilliant piano player - not such a good story teller. Too much waffling and not enough playing.

Better balance of sound. Pity not a real 'keyboard'. What a life behind the scenes!

Also a sad biography, but enjoyed it. Thank you.

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! What a gem of a show! Thank you for showcasing a high level performance like this!

Brilly