The Other Palace Theatre, – until 8th September 2024
Reviewed by Ava Clarkson
5*****
The Other Palace Theatre close to Victoria is the venue for the musical adaptation of the amazing book of the same name by Kate Pankhurst – a distant relative of Emmeline Pankhurst – very distant…. But as Kate says, with a surname like Pankhurst, who could not be inspired by such an iconic woman of history – the leader of the suffragettes who campaigned to secure votes for women in the early 1900’s and her call for “deeds not words”. This musical promises to wow us with more great women who changed the world and boy (or should I say girl) did it deliver…
The Other Palace Theatre is a modern and trendy venue, with a lively bar in the foyer which was buzzing with excitement when we arrived. The theatre inside is a steep 300 seated space which makes for a perfect view for all.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is the award-winning musical which returns to London, for 7 weeks only. Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Gillian Lynne Theatre) and Miranda Cooper have adapted the books of Kate Pankhurst to the stage along with music by Miranda Cooper and Jennifer Decilveo and direction by Amy Hodge.
The story surrounds Jade, a schoolgirl separated from her class trip and feeling not only lost on the trip but lost in the world. She stumbles upon the “Gallery of Greatness” and is told not to enter at all costs… so in true female determined style, she goes inside where she meets 12 brilliant women from history – Amelia Earhart, Emmeline Pankhurst, Sacagawea, Gertrude Ederle, Jane Austen, Frida Kahlo, Agent Fifi, Mary Seacole, Mary Anning, Marie Curies, Rosa Parks and Anne Frank.
Each character is brought to life through songs such as “Deeds not words”, “Mary, Mary and Marie” and “Rosa’s Lullaby” to name but a few. These songs are high energy and full of colour and comedy. The Suffragette Rap and Jane Austen’s Operatic moment are truly amazing, combined with incredible choreography and use of props, mean every musical number is a joy and has the audience clapping and singing along. There is a happy vibe coming from everyone inside the theatre and as the play continues this ramps up even more.
The costumes really deserve a mention in this musical, Joanne Scotcher has done a stunning job with the outfits. Each historical woman feels true to character but with a modern twist. You know exactly who each woman is even though they are dressed in fluorescent camouflage or a PVC jumpsuit!
As we move through the stories of these 12 great women, we learn a little about each and Jade, the focus of the story, becomes more and more inspired and empowered – as do we the audience. These women really have changed the world, Marie Curie was the 1st woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize, Gertrude Ederle at just 20 years old swam the English Channel 2 hours faster than the 5 men who had attempted it before her. The stories go on and as we come to the end of the show I want to jump up and punch the air. We are treated to a megamix of the show’s songs at the end and the musicians Audra Cramer, Nicola T. Chang and Isis Dunthorne, who we have seen above the stage throughout the show join the stage. The audience stands and dances along to the catchy songs we have been treated to. A ticker tape finale brings the show to a close in an explosion of noise and colour.
The cast have been spectacular throughout. Georgia Grant-Anderson played a great role as the schoolgirl Jade who navigated us through the show. The performers Elena Breschi, Meg Hateley, Charlotte Jaconelli and Anelisa Lamola played several parts each, all seamlessly changing into each character. A mention must go to the amazing voice of Anelisa Lamola, who gave me goosebumps when she sang “Rosa’s Lullaby!”
I can truly say this is one of my favourite plays. The energy, colour and empowerment on the stage was inspiring. We leave the theatre feeling we can change the world. We are reminded that “you must never be fearful of doing something right” and “a better world for everyone begins with better dreams”.
Every woman leaves with a membership card to the Fantastically Great Women Club – to continue the work of great women everywhere!. My number is 59,746,280,445 and I am going to use it!!