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 19th 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 19th August
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