Neon 194, London – until 17 February 2024
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
4****
This uplifting and uproariously funny new musical lets you party like it’s 1999, following the fall and rise of hedonistic star Kid Pop – or Neil to his mum.
When Kid Pop (Christian Maynard) is arrested for drug use it is front page news, and when given the choice of prison or 60 days in rehab he goes to the Glade, anticipating an easy life there. His fellow residents and counsellor won’t let him ignore his addictions however, and Neil has to accept some hard truths about himself. Neil’s journey to recovery is sabotaged by his sleazy agent Malcolm Stone (Keith Allen – having a ball) who set up the drugs sting to boost Kid Pop’s image. Stone’s scheming has no limits as he continues to exploit Kid Pop’s situation for publicity and begins to contemplate even darker ways to keep Kid Pop relevant and his own bank balance soaring.
The scenes in the rehab centre could have been painful in other hands, but Grant Black and Murray Lachlan Young’s own experiences ensure that the residents and their addictions are written sympathetically and, while the characters are ridiculously funny, we are laughing with them, not at them. Whether their addiction is to alcohol, gambling, overeating or sex, these characters are written beautifully, often nonchalantly accepting and mocking their past actions, but also providing sincere heartbreaking insights into the pain and damage addiction causes to them and their loved ones in amongst the belly laughs. Elliot Davis’s book complements Black and Young’s music and lyrics brilliantly – full of irresistible warmth and joy that makes moments of barbed cruelty hit even harder. The story arc is very clear (and perhaps a little predictable – but this is a show that NEEDS a happy ending) with the musical numbers moving the storyline along seamlessly. The songs are a wonderfully eclectic mix of power ballads, pop anthems and gloriously silly nonsense like The Cheese Song. Everybody will want to join in with the chorus of Wanker!
The incredible cast all have moments that will make your jaw drop. Christian Maynard is perfect as Kid Pop – OTT and arrogant in early scenes, and softening beautifully as he spends time at The Glade. Maiya Quansah-Breed is full of heart and grit as Lucy, caught between a rock and a hard place as Stone uses her in his schemes. Keith Allen hams it up hilariously as Stone and makes a sharp double act with Jodie Steele as his assistant. Steele doesn’t sing until the second act, but it is well worth the wait. Mica Paris’s commanding and powerful vocals raise the roof while Oscar Conlon-Morrey, John Barr and Rebecca Thornhill showcase their phenomenal comic timing as fellow addicts, stealing every scene they’re in.
Director Gary Lloyd makes clever use of the small stage area with Simon Kenny’s adaptable set ensuring scene transitions are as slick as possible. It would be wonderful to see what is possible in a larger theatre – I am sure this fantastic show has a bright future. Grab a ticket while you can.