This
is a musical in development by Conor Mitchell, who created the book,
music and lyrics, and is version two. Version three will be staged
in New York later in the year.
However,
this version is set in a group therapy session run by Neville, Bart
Edwards, where the group of six misfits, Amy, Jennie Done, Jean, Tamsin
Dowsett, Chris Will Rogers, Frank, Alex Plagetis, Barbara, Abi Omonua
and Sheila, Daniella Bowen are thrown together in this Northern Ireland
setting.
With
nearly twenty musical numbers and a good use of dialogue, each of these
dysfunctional characters reacts and reacts with the group as each
reveals their problems and part of themselves.
This
show does not have many major tunes one would leave the theatre
whistling, however it does have an exceptionally strong cast who sing
and dance well, is well directed and has a simple up very effective set.
One
slight critisism for me anyway, the deployment of the MD Simon Sharp on
the apron meant that he was a little too loud at times for the un-miked
actors, and did occasionally detract from, the action.
Still,
all in all it was a very creditable performance of a different musical
and is certainly well worth checking out.
****
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