Interview: Martin Phipps

As godson to Benjamin Britten, composer Martin Phipps has been steeped in England’s important musical heritage since birth.

But he originally set out to be an actor, falling into composing at the turn of the millennium.

Since then, he’s penned scores for some of British telly’s finest moments, including Wallander, Peaky Blinders and The Honourable Woman.

A clutch of awards have followed him, including five Ivor Novello Awards, the latest for his music to epic BBC drama War and Peace.

We caught up with him backstage as he picked up his latest accolade to learn more about his composing style and why he always starts from scratch…

Picture above: Martin Phipps with composer Natalie Holt at the 2016 Ivor Novello Awards