Lowry Theatre, Salford – until Saturday 3 September 2022
4****
Based on Erich Kästner’s novel, Lisa and Lottie which then inspired the Disney film The Parent Trap. This new musical, produced by Kenny Wax and directed by Sir Trevor Nunn, with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe is a treat for the whole family
Originally due its premiere in 2020, Identical was definitely worth the wait. No Disney magic here, unlike the films where originally Hayley Mills and latterly Lindsay Lohan played both twins, instead we have 3 sets identical of girls: Nicole and Kyla Fox (who performed on press night), Emme and Eden Patrick, Sienna and Savannah Robinson. Six incredibly talented young ladies.
The story is of two girls, separated at birth when their parents divorce. They meet accidently at a summer camp and decide to swap places. Staying faithful to the book and set in 1950’s Austria, it makes it a little bit easier to understand why the girls have no idea about each other, or why the custody arrangements are hard to comprehend!
Robert Jones and Douglas O’Connell, transport us from the stunningly beautiful rolling hills and lakes of summer camp to Munich where their mother Lisalotte (Emily Tierney) lives and Vienna, home of their father Johan (James Darch) and his Ballerina, child hating fiance Irene (Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson). The sets and video’s are so convincing you forget that you’re looking at a screen.
The songs are fun, if verging on saccharine sweet. You’re My Sister seemed to be a hit with the audience and Identical. We Were Young has depth and showcases Emily Tierney’s vocal talents
The musical is verging on the classic, its more The Sound of Music than Matilda, but its packed with emotion and yes I did cry at the end. If it were a tad shorter (a running time of just under 3 hours) it might be more suitable for the younger audiences its aimed at. But this show deserves a long life and I hope it gets one