Sunday in the Park with... Stephen

In this documentary, Stephen Sondheim teaches at Oxford, guiding a class of drama students through the rough cut of a musical idea from concept to stage. The film follows him shaping melodies, lyrics, and structure as the group collaborates under his guidance. Filmed during rehearsals for the UK premiere of Sunday in the Park with George, the production that won the Olivier Award for Best Musical in 1991 provides the backdrop to their classroom experiments. Rather than a backstage tour, the camera tracks dialogue, revisions, and sparks of invention that accompany a living work in progress. The camera stays patient, catching exchanges, pauses, and moments of sudden insight as ideas are tested. No spoilers about outcomes, only the process. Its tone is curious and observant.

Directed by Bob Portway and Anthony Lee, the film follows Sondheim during his Oxford stint, drawing on material tied to James Lapine's Sunday in the Park with George, a show that won the Olivier Award for Best Musical in 1991 worldwide.

There's no record of major awards for this documentary, which is more a snapshot of teaching and collaboration than a trophy grab. The broader show Sunday in the Park with George, however, earned the Olivier Award for Best Musical in 1991, providing context.

Seen as a rare window into Sondheim's process, the documentary appeals to students and fans who want a close look at how a musical comes together. It frames collaboration, revision, and mentorship as essential forces behind creative work. It also shows how ideas evolve under pressure and time.

The film invites viewers to consider the dynamic between a master composer and a classroom, highlighting pedagogy, practical craft, and the balance between artistic ambition and collaboration. It offers an intimate portrait rather than a conventional performance record. Its emphasis on mentorship will resonate with anyone mentoring new writers.