Ranking
Good
Now…that’s what I name…a blended bag
Image the scene: Suburban Birmingham, 1989 (or so we’re led to consider, though primarily based on the accents and music, I’m undecided. Extra later).
Written by Pippa Evans, the manufacturing has arrived in Wimbledon as a part of its nationwide tour. With choreography and route offered by TV’s Craig Revel Horwood, you’ll anticipate a present worthy of his elusive ‘10’ paddle. Sadly, will probably be a ‘3’ from me.
The manufacturing begins with sound issues and the music appears far too loud for the scale of the theatre which instantly units issues off on the mistaken foot. This continues into a number of the songs the place highly effective voices aren’t in sync. We be a part of a scene at ‘The Palace’ pub the place a 1989 class reunion is going down. The preliminary scene is bustling with your complete 18-member solid on stage. Right here we meet grownup Gemma (Nina Wadia) and her brother Frank (Shakil Hussain), as they assess the room. Each are eager for the arrival of April, Gemma’s long-lost finest buddy and Frank’s teenage crush. Mid-scene we see the arrival of two schoolgirls. After an excellent jiffy, it dawns that this can be a flashback to teenage Gemma and April. Extra may very well be accomplished right here to set the scene.
The primary half sees finest friends Gemma (Nikita Johal) and April (Maia Hawkins) with huge hair and large desires, navigating their manner by means of teenage angst and attempting out the most recent know-how (Sony Walkman, anybody?). Some fundamental, cliché-filled storylines are carried out to sounds of the period. Regardless of the aforementioned sound points, vocally each Johal and Hawkins are robust. Higher individually than collectively, though making an attempt to sing something with a Birmingham accent would problem even probably the most achieved singer. Hawkins’ model of ‘Everyone Needs To Rule The World’ is a spotlight. Because the story progresses, some inexplicable dance sequences are carried out; three {couples} dance the Argentine Tango and an array of dancers put on TV units as headwear for ‘Video Killed The Radio Star’.
As our plucky duo hit their late-teens we see relationships and plans develop and the 2 half methods. We return to the reunion and the arrival of grownup April (Sam Bailey). At this level, I’m certain I wasn’t alone in pondering ‘the place the heck is 80’s pop sensation Sonia, billed as one of many stars of the present?’.
Within the second half, we give attention to grownup Gemma and April and what has occurred within the intervening years. Extra songs of the period are forthcoming and despite the fact that we’re now in 2009, we’re nonetheless very a lot caught within the 80’s musically. The spotlight this time although is the powerhouse vocals of former X-Issue winner Bailey. Moderately mismatched with the vocally-challenged Wadia on their duets, Bailey actually stands out in her solo performances. However why aren’t there extra of them? An enormous wasted alternative right here when a number of the filler scenes may have been reduce utterly.
We lastly, and briefly, see Sonia throughout a dream-like sequence, which is disappointing for followers when she is billed as one of many headline stars. In a flash of clichéd feathers and glitter, she’s been and gone.
The essential, reasonably predictable plot lingers on and an excellent half-hour may very well be shaved off the 140-minute efficiency. That being stated, the very prepared solid give it their all all through and there are some comedy moments, principally on the expense of some stereotypical 80’s characters.
This present very a lot is aware of its viewers and treats them to a number of extra-special visitors within the considerably disconnected finale. I received’t spoil the shock however let’s simply say, Ladies Simply Wanna Have Enjoyable.
Written by: Pippa Evans
Directed & Choreographed by: Craig Revel-Horwood
NOW That’s What I Name A Musical performs at New Wimbledon Theatre till Saturday 12 April