Southwark Playhouse – until 30 November 2024
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
4****
Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bells’ meta-theatrical and charmingly self-referential show is every musical theatre nerd’s dream. Originally presented at the 2004 New York Musical Theatre Festival, the show is a musical about writing a musical.
With just three weeks to write something for the festival, Hunter (Jacob Fowler) and Jeff (Thomas Oxley) begin writing/performing their musical. Fowler and Oxley are a wonderful double act, sharing great chemistry and delivering lines about the dangers of using too many obscure references and derivative tricks with an arch glee. There is even debate about whether there should be musical accompaniment as they move across the stage. The secondary characters they bring in (don’t feel sorry for them, they get their own song about that) make wonderful foils for the men. Abbie Budden plays Heidi – still hungry and auditioning for ensemble/cover roles – and Mary Moore plays Susan – who has taken an office job in her frustration and self-doubt. Moore completely leans into Susan’s unhinged moments and performs Die, Vampire, Die! with an insane energy and powerhouse vocals – one of the highlights of the show. Budden captures the near mania of constant auditions and rejections brilliantly.
Together, with just four chairs and a keyboard (and musical director Tom Chippendale as Larry) – the quartet create a chaotic and loving portrayal of the creative process. There are songs for every stage of the journey, from seeking inspiration Monkeys and Playbills to the nagging spectres of self-doubt Die, Vampire, Die! The lyrics are complicated and the harmonies are glorious in the hands of this talented cast. There are a few earworms in the score, and the charming and affirmatory song about staying true to yourself and your vision, Nine People’s Favourite Thing has been on my playlist for years.
The theatrical in-jokes and references are non-stop – some very niche and historical 20 years after the first production – but there is also the obligatory jeopardy as Hunter is nearly convinced by the dark side (producers) to change the show for Broadway. Cheesy moments of clarity and camaraderie are thrown in along with the obligatory emotional ballad A Way Back to Then. Although sung hauntingly by Budden, this is punctuated with Hunter’s descriptions of the bizarre shows he and his brother staged when he was 10.
Director Christopher D. Clegg ensures that this production has a spontaneous and improvised atmosphere (not an easy thing with a 20-year-old show) with Hazel McIntosh’s vibrant set design allowing more movement around the stage.
[title of show] is a joyous, witty and heartfelt tribute to creatives and the theatre. It may be a little too niche for some, but if you love musical theatre, you should see this fabulously funny show.
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