Maidstone is preparing to welcome a brand‑new piece of mythic theatre as local writer‑composer Keiran Berry unveils The Holly Crown of Maidstone, an original folk‑horror musical blending Kentish folklore, queer storytelling, and the emotional sweep of modern country music. Developed across albums, manga, and radio storytelling, the project marks the next major milestone in Berry’s expanding Wildheart creative universe.

The musical centres on a haunting winter legend: a cursed crown woven from holly, grief, and ancient duty. At its heart is a deeply human story about love, loss, and the dangerous magic that lingers in the Weald. With a cast of spectral guardians, queer heroes, and a chillingly charismatic Holly King, the show promises a fresh, emotionally charged take on British folk myth.

A Maidstone Story Told by a Maidstone Voice

Berry, who grew up in the town and remains deeply rooted in its creative community, describes the musical as “a love letter to Kent—thorny, beautiful, and full of ghosts.” The work draws heavily on local landscapes, from the River Medway to the ancient woodland that surrounds the town, transforming familiar places into stages for supernatural drama.

The project also reflects Berry’s signature cross‑media approach. The Holly Crown of Maidstone is not just a stage show—it’s part of a wider narrative ecosystem that includes manga, original albums, and the newly launched Wildheart Revival FM radio station. Each medium expands the mythos, offering audiences multiple ways to enter the story.

Music at the Core

The score blends Appalachian‑inspired country, eerie English folk, and cinematic orchestration. Early demos hint at a sound world where banjos meet ghostly strings, and where tender queer love songs sit beside thunderous ritual chants. Berry’s background as a songwriter and producer is unmistakable: every track is built to stand alone while deepening the emotional arc of the story.

Listeners of Wildheart Revival FM will be the first to hear previews, behind‑the‑scenes commentary, and character‑driven broadcasts as the musical develops.

A New Cultural Beacon for Kent

Local theatre makers, musicians, and community artists have already expressed excitement about the project’s potential to bring new creative energy to Maidstone. With its blend of folklore, queer representation, and grassroots artistry, The Holly Crown of Maidstone is poised to become a landmark production for the region.

As Berry continues refining the libretto, music, and visual world, Wildheart Revival FM will serve as the central hub for updates, casting calls, soundtrack releases, and exclusive story content.

The holly is growing. The crown is waiting. And Maidstone is about to meet its newest legend.

Connect with Keiran Berry

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keiranberrywhrofficial

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4xvu4Jyw5ZdPA4ljAVhnPI?si=mf7yRcpVREWMoj6xyfB49g

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeiranBerry

elasticStage: https://elasticstage.com/keiran-berry

X: https://x.com/KeiranBOfficial

Wildheart Revival FM: https://wildheartrevivalfm.ismyradio.com/

Beacons: https://beacons.ai/keiranberry