Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre until 5 November. Reviewed by Claire Roderick
5*****
Based on the classic Fritz Lang film, Metropolis opened, and closed, in the West End in 1989. I never saw the original production, but a tipsy late night buying mix-up on Amazon saw me the eternally grateful owner of the original cast soundtrack rather than a new DVD copy of the film, and I couldn’t wait to see Metropolis live. All Star Productions’ revival is the first London production since then, but hopefully this fantastic version will encourage lovers of the musical to emerge from the darkness and demand a longer run in a larger theatre.
John Freeman, founder of Metropolis, uses the Workers below the city to produce the energy needed to enable the Elitists above to live carefree lives. Freeman’s son, Steven is unaware of the conditions below the city, until he meets and falls in love with Maria, the Workers’ spiritual leader and teacher. With all the earth’s natural resources destroyed, human energy is the only source available to keep the machines working. He plans to replace the unreliable humans with robots, built by Warner, whose prototype, Futura, only needs a face to be complete.
Director Tim McArthur ensures the audience is immersed in the Workers’ dark and steamy environment from the minute you enter the theatre. Arriving early gives you the added entertainment of watching people peering confusedly through the smoke and darkness trying to figure out where exactly the seating is. Jonny Rust and Justin Williams’ set design is incredible – rusty and imposing with Vittorio Verta’s lighting design notching up the claustrophobic atmosphere.
OK, the plot is bonkers, but the themes of obsessive leadership, abuse of power and discrimination are always relevant, and McArthur doesn’t include any 21st century knowing winks, instead taking the musical (which he clearly adores) seriously and creating a stunningly powerful production.
Musical director Aaron Clingham manages to create a soaring sound with just a four-piece band and makes Joe Brooks and Dusty Hughes’ musical numbers fresh and exciting. The strong cast give their all, with striking choreography by Ian Pyle, particularly in 101.11 as the cast work their machines, and the Elitists dance numbers which are like a drug addled nightmarish version of the Ascot scene from My Fair Lady. Making Warner female adds an interesting new dynamic to the scientist’s fascination with Futura/Maria, with Kitty Whitelaw nailing the role with a wonderfully nuanced performance. Gareth James is wonderful as John Freeman – cold and calm, with the fury beneath bubbling through – his stillness as he sings is magnetic and chilling. It’s hard to believe that Miiya Alexandra is making her professional debut as Maria/Futura, giving a beautifully judged performance as Maria and going full psycho as Futura. Her vocals are sublime, and her duets with Rob Herron will make your heart soar. Rob Herron as Steven is a powerhouse of emotion. The man has an INCREDIBLE voice, and leading man looks to match (I must admit that I got a little distracted trying to read his tattoo). Definitely two names to watch out for in the future.
Bold, brutal, bonkers and bloody brilliant – Metropolis is a show you HAVE to see. Get a ticket today.