New Victoria Theatre, Woking – until 27th November 2021.
Reviewed by Becky Doyle
5*****
WOW! An absolutely breath-taking story that had me and the rest of the audience gripped from start to finish. It is no reason therefore that the play has the reputation of the “standing ovation musical”. I didn’t know what I was expecting, but what was delivered surpassed anything that I could have imagined.
The whole cast were amazing – with Alex Patmore (Mickey) and Joel Benedict (Eddie) Perfectly playing the transitioning life of two young boys growing up in different circumstances in Liverpool. Eddie wanting for nothing but friends from the “wrong” side of town where his best friend, and blood brother, Mickey lived unknowing that he had everything that Mickey wanted.
The musicality and choreography were a credit to all with Alex’s rendition of “I wish I was our Sammy” being the highlight for me which showed the vulnerability of Mickey and children like him. I think it is a credit to all who played children to just how much you were absorbed into the moment and really did believe that you were watching the growth of children and young teens as well as the effect of the people around influencing their growth and paths in life.
It would be wrong of me to write this without a mention of Lyn Paul (Mrs Johnson) who is returning to carryout her farewell tour. Her portrayal of a single Mother trying to do the best for her family with limited options was touching and her voice was fantastic. She will take a lot of living up to for her predecessor.
This show is a must see and has left a lasting impression