New Vic Theatre, Newcastle Under Lyme – Saturday 9th April 2022
Reviewed by Lesley Eagles
5*****
“Marvellous” by Neil Baldwin & Malcolm Clarke-adapted for the stage by Neil Baldwin & Teresa Heskins
An absolute, not to be missed, treasure of a production. If you’re thinking about going please do not hesitate as you’re in for an absolute treat. I quite literally could not take the smile of my face throughout.
Marvellous tells the heart-warming true story of a local legend Neil Baldwin (Nello) which was originally retold for a BAFTA Award winning drama for the BBC. The story tells of a boy with learning difficulties who left school at the tender age of 14 with no qualifications and ended up with an honoury degree from Keele University.
The production was specifically commissioned for the New Vic as it is Neil’s local theatre therefore created in conjunction with Neil Baldwin himself.
This unique play is staged “in the round” with a remarkable directoral style that I have not seen before which quite simply left me in awe of the talent of the production team involved.
The fact that it was staged in the round with the colourful signage was perfect to replicate the circular staging of the circus from which Neil’s stage name Nello was created.
The way in which Neil (Nello) Baldwin’s story was told was utterly brilliant with faultless performances from the entire cast.
I do not like to single out characters, as all performances were outstanding however credit needs to go to Michael Hugo who played the part of “The Real Neil” guiding the other cast members through the retelling of his life. The seven strong cast played out versions of themselves playing both Neil himself and an endless number of other characters that Neil encountered during his life. His portrayal of Neil was incredible demonstrating his quirky, warm and endearing nature to perfection.
Another stand out performance was delivered by Gareth Cassidy. His comic timing was genius along with his ability to deliver many voices, dialects and impersonations. He was quite clearly an audience favourite as a result.
The play demonstrates through Neil Baldwin’s positive outlook on life that you can realise your dreams despite any labels society tries to bestow.
He didn’t see obstacles but rather opportunities that weren’t to be missed. As a result, he always seemed to manage to get what he wanted. His achievements as a result were outstanding. His colourful life led him to becoming a clown (Nello), a kit man for Stoke City Football club, meet many famous people including HRH, receive a BEM and many more weird and wonderful achievements.
The mainly comedic script is a celebration of these life achievements, which allows for playful banter between the characters involved. The cast genuinely appeared to be having a blast with their clever use of props from their ‘bottomless’ bag for life!
“Marvellous”… it’s exactly that from beginning to end