The Boy Who Sailed The Ocean In An Armchair

 

Review by Paul Towers, 16/8/23

The Boy Who Sailed The Ocean In An Armchair, written & composed by Jordan Li-Smith from the novel by Lara Williamson

Directed by Hannah Chissick

Produced by National Youth Music Theatre

At Curve til Saturday 19^th August 2023

“a world premiere of a new show”

My second trip to Curve to see a National Youth Musical Theatre (NYMT) production this month. How lucky am I?

I am even luckier to be at the world premier of a brand new production, The Boy Who Sailed The Ocean In An Armchair. Adapted by Jordan Li-Smith from the much loved children’s classic by LaraWilliamson of the same name, this is an adult’s attempt to understand how children handle grief. I know that sounds very morbid but the story is funny, uplifting and ultimately confirmation that, in the words of one of the songs, everything will be OK.

Becket (14 yr old Sam Carter) is 11 years old and, along with his little brother Billie (11 yr old James Breen), is trying to come to terms with the death of his mother and the fact that their father (an extraordinarily assured 19 yr old Oliver Futcher) is tearing them away from their new almost-mother Pearl (18 yr old Lily Copland-Jones) in the middle of the night without saying goodbye.

Trying to make sense of everything Becket snuggles up in his favourite armchair and comforts himself and Billie with stories.

An ensemble of extremely talented young talent fill out the worlds Becket creates. Director Hannah Chissick has enabled each and every performer the opportunity to shine with their own particular talent. So we get a fabulous big tap routine side by side with great harmonies and some good physical comedy, especially from Brian The Snail (18 yr old Bill Stanley).

While the entire 34 strong cast deserve praise for their performances special mention has to go to young Sam Carter’s Becket who, along with James Breen’s Billie, is on stage for virtually the whole time. And with a first half that ran to 95 minutes that is some achievement.

The set by Richard Cooper is simply a big arch that lights up and a huge red armchair. A live band of 17 hidden away backstage was sometimes a little over-loud but I am sure as the week progresses they will get the balance right.

The Boy Who Sailed The Ocean In An Armchair is at Curve until Saturday 19^th August

www.nymt.org.uk

www.curveonline.co.uk

www.ptheatre.blogspot.co.uk

 

Heathers The Musical

 

Review by Paul Towers, 15/8/23

Heathers by Kevin Murphy & Laurence O’Keefe

Directed by Andy Fickman

Produced by Bill Kenwright & Paul Taylor-Mills

At Curve til Saturday 19^th August 2023

“a very dark comedy”

Based on the 1989 film of the same name Heathers The Musical follows outsider Veronica Sawyer (Eliza Bowden in her first professional role) as she finds acceptance by the school bullies, The Heathers. Weak willed Heather McNamara (Billie Bowman) and bulimic Heather Duke (Elise Zavou) are in awe of ‘mythic bitch’ Heather Chandler (Verity Thompson). This trio of witches rule Westerberg High School while facilitating the bullying of Veronica’s best friend Martha Dunnstock (Kingsley Morton) by jocks Kurt Kelly (Alex Woodward) and Ram Sweeney (Morgan Jackson). Veronica’s talent for forgery gets her noticed by the Heathers and she is inducted into their inner circle and becomes a pawn for their cruelty.

When one of their ‘japes’ is aimed at Martha mysterious new boy Jason ‘JD’ Dean (Jacob Fowler) chides Veronica for betraying her friend. And thus Veronica is taken down a dark path alongside psychopath JD.

This touring production is big, bold and brassy with an original rock score and outstanding choreography from Gary Lloyd. The set by David Shields is incredibly versatile with a gantry.

This is a very dark comedy that tackles themes like teenage suicide, bullying and sexual assault. As many women will know to their cost school girls are far worse bullies than school boys and in Heathers the oppressed take their ultimate revenge.

Heathers is on at Curve until Saturday 19^th August and then continues touring. While most days have few seats still available there are some £10 seats on some days.

 

www.heathersthemusical.com/tour

www.curveonline.co.uk

www.ptheatre.blogspot.co.uk

 

Kiss Me Kate

 

Review by Paul Towers, 9/8/23

Kiss Me Kate by Sam & Bella Spewack, music & lyrics by Cole Porter

Directed by Alex Sutton

Produced by National Youth Music Theatre

At Curve til Saturday 12 August 2023

“packed full of musical theatre stars of tomorrow”

Kiss Me Kate was Cole Porter’s first musical to use songs to move the story along rather than just bung them in. He was inspired to copy his heroes Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma’s use of the new method.

The Spewacks were asked by producer Arnold Saint-Subber to use his first-hand knowledge of the on and off stage warring of then Broadway superstars husband and wife Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne to mirror the marital sparring of the leading characters in Shakespeare’s The Taming of The Shrew for a musical version. Cole Porter, known for his very clever lyrics, was brought in to provide the songs and music. It was a veritable hit and ran for more than 1,000 performances on Broadway before becoming a worldwide success.

Being an NYMT production there is a huge cast of 44 gathered from all over the country with ages ranging from 11 to 23 and a live orchestra of 27 of similar ages and from just as wide a range of homes.

This production uses a simple set by Richard Cooper enhanced by many wheeled boxes that are rolled on and off as required. Lighting by Jamie Platt ensures the actors are seen.

Cleverly the opening number, Another Opening, is merged into the overture giving the cast plenty of time to transform the bare stage into a bustling theatre backstage.

Kiss Me Kate has a good mix of comedy numbers and the expected romantic ballads. There are also some ambitious big dance numbers which the cast handle perfectly showcasing their tap, modern dance and ballet capabilities.

As the eponymous Kate Sydney Richards belies her 21 years and chews up the scenery using her enormous voice to great effect, especially when she reverts to being actress Lilli Vanessi. That said Charlie Weaver as Lilli’s ex-husband Fred Graham/Petruchio gives just as good as he gets and is evenly matched with his stage partner.

Another good comedy partnership is the two gangsters played by Raphael Goold and  Georgie Lagden, especially when they are forced to ‘blend in’ by dragging up as Lilli’s stand-ins.

Special mention must be made of Joseph Brown’s General Howell, Lilli’s new husband-to-be. Brown carries off the most complicated tongue twisting number in the entire show, Let’s Not Talk About Love. He was word perfect.

As is usual  with National Youth Music Theatre shows they are packed with up and coming talent and Kiss Me Kate is no exception. This show is blessed with an abundance of future musical theatre stars and is highly recommended.

Kiss Me Kate runs at Curve until Saturday 12^th August. Next week NYMT is also presenting The Boy Who Sailed The Ocean In An Armchair at Curve from 16^th August

NYMT website https://tinyurl.com/mr25jpc8

www.curveonline.co.uk

www.ptheatre.blogspot.co.uk

 

La Bamba

 

Review by Paul Towers, 3/8/23

La Bamba by Paul Morrisey, additional lyrics by Ben Dermer

Directed by Ray Broderick

Produced by Paul Morrisey Ltd

At Curve til Saturday 5^th August 2023

“filled with Latin American love”

Once again Curve has been chosen to kick off a national tour of a brand new show.

La Bamba is the latest jukebox musical to brighten up this dismal summer. Featuring a selection of Latin American hits this tells the story of 17 yr old Sofia (Ines Fernandez in her professional debut) whose love of music comes from her late father, Ricardo (Pasha Kovalev ex Strictly professional dancer) who is constantly looking over her shoulder to encourage her. Supported by her protective mother, Elena (Stefani Ariza in fine voice) and her best friend Mateao (The Wanted’s Siva Kaneswaren) Sofia heads off to the big bad world as a singer/songwriter.

A live band of five hidden away under the stage and a very talented ensemble of dancers/singers ensured the night was filled with Latin American love.

It was a shame that several of the key narrative points were sung in Spanish. It made it hard to follow the story.

A very vocal disruptive element at the back of the stalls spoilt the beginning of the show for everyone despite a pre show announcement asking for people to respect the artistes and audience members.

That said the cast got a well deserved standing ovation at the curtain call.

La Bamba continues to tour for the rest of the year and dates can be found at the usual ticket outlets

 

www.curveonline.co.uk

www.ptheatre.blogspot.co.uk