*** (3 Stars)
“A Fun Night Out! ”
Debuting in 1983 the pop music compilation album known as “Now, that’s what i call music” issued its first album featuring the hit singles from the pop charts it would mark the start of a 43 year odyssey that continues today as in April of this year Now That what I call music volume 120 will be released. The Albums released three times a year chart the change in music styles alongside its evolving audiences and the popular culture they evoke but can a compilation album sustain a full blown musical? Well Royo productions give it a good try with mixed results.
With a book written by Pippa Evans inspired by a Screenplay titled “The Video Help Service” the show tells the story of “Gemma” Nina Wadia in superb form, and “April” Sam Bailey, the 2013 X Factor winner, who are best friends throughout the 80’s who are reunited at a school reunion and discover the years have been both emotionally and physically harsh as secrets are revealed and the realisation that true friendship can survive no matter what. It’s all very soap opera material delivered by a solid cast who dealing with an overly long and aft clunky script, deliver solid performances.
Wadia and Bailey lead the cast in style with Wadia showcasing her incredible acting chops handling both comedy and pathos with ease and Bailey delivers incredible vocals as she belts out70’s 80s and 90’s bangers with ease. Special mention goes to Nikita Johal as Young Gemma and Maia Hawkins as Young April who manage to emulate the younger versions of the main characters with ease and both deliver excellent vocals. Across the board the 18 strong ensemble cast deliver the myriad of characters well with special credit going to Kieran Cooper as “Younger Tim” and others, he has real comic ability and catches the eye when on stage thanks to a collection of hilarious wigs.
Directed and Choreographed by Craig Ravel Horwood the show whips along a cracking pace and it doesn’t feel like the two hour a forty five minute mammoth it is, and there is a plethora of set pieces throughout with “Video Killed the Radio Star” being a particular highlight with snappy choreo delivered in style. However the show relies on too many outdated troupes, a potential gay coupling is reduced to camp fodder and a sparkling dance break features a same sex couple but there shoved to the back partially obscured by the set which feels more half hearted than a full throttle moment of diversity.
Production wise the show is great with Tom Rogers and Toots Butcher’s Set and Costume design delivering well and it shines under Ben Cracknell’s Lighting design that captures both pop concert style lighting alongside intimate moments with ease. Adam Fisher’s sound design is excellent with every note sung being heard perfectly and is beautifully balanced against musical director Georgia Rawlins excellent five piece pit band.
The show does feature special guest stars with Edinburgh being treated to Toyah Willcox performing live on stage in the middle of act 2 in the ever reliable dream sequence. (Willcox rotates with Sinitta, Sonia and Carol Decker across the UK Tour) she brings much needed energy to the show lifting the second act to its third star but even she can’t save the clunky story and its obvious these 80s icons are shoe horned in for name value and they get an easy shift with just one song late in Act 2 then appearing for the walk down and bows. That being said Toyah delivers in Spades.
Now that’s what I call a musical delivers everything it says it should, a fun and camp night out filled with music that shaped many a generations childhoods. However the script needs serious work to both shorten it and tighten it up. There is no need to rely on outdated stereotypes and some of the cast need to watch those accents as too often we are getting Birmingham via Australia and South Africa and its a little jarring.
That being said, tickets even for the best seats are keenly priced and it’s a given that weekend shows will be packed out. The audience on opening night of the Playhouse run were on there feet at the end enjoying an extended mega mix and that’s when it becomes clear that the show has real heart it just needs some refining and polishing to make it shine. For a fun night out head for the playhouse and grab those tickets now.
ROYO Presents ,Now That’s What I Call A Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse runs until Saturday 1st March, For more information and tickets go to: NOW That’s What I Call A Musical Tickets | Edinburgh Playhouse in Edinburgh | ATG Tickets
UK tour continues.
ScotsGay Arts 