The concept of a museum where one finds the exhibits are real-life people is not a new one – but this musical put a fresh perspective on the idea, to deliver an uplifting and inspiring 90-minute performance.
The evening opens with four teachers stomping their way through the auditorium, they arrive on stage to deliver 'Quiet Children' the first of many pacy, energetic, girl group style songs. They depart, to tour the museum, leaving an empty stage – onto which steps Jade. Jade is a good girl, a rule-follower, organised and caring – and now left behind by her friends and teachers. What follows is a clever and amusing conversation between her and the museum PA system, which results in Jade deciding to break the rules for once and to sneak into the closed area of the museum. She “crashes” into a space with the feel of an aircraft hanger, overlooked by 3 large open cubes, each of which houses a member of the band – who are clothed in yellow boiler suits, a super visual touch. In fact, this show is a visual treat. The many costumes are considered down to the last detail (I lost count of the many pairs of trainers each woman changed through!) and Joanna Scotcher’s wardrobe design certainly brings an extra layer of humour to the show.
The set is bright, colourful, and striking. It clearly fits the artistic feel of the original book and uses primary-coloured details and lights. In this space Jade – and therefore, the audience – meets 12 of history’s remarkable women, starting with three travellers: Amelia Earhart, Gertrude Ederle, and Sacagawea. Through her encounters, Jade reveals her worries. Like many pre-teens, she is feeling the pressure of needing a plan for her future and is frustrated by her lack of autonomy over her life. As the show progresses, all the women, dish out sage advice. The dialogue is strewn with motivational snippets – my favourite of the night being “no-one changed the world on an empty stomach”.
'Where Do You Want To Go?' gave the first hint of an issue with the sound balance, which unfortunately lasted all night. There was a thin feel to the voices in places and eventually one cast member’s mic was cutting in and out very noticeably. The band often overwhelmed the solo voices, in this and following songs, which was unfortunate as much of each character’s story was revealed through their numbers.
Then, comes Emmeline Pankhurst, in a purple military get up which merges Uncle Sam top and camo bottoms! 'Her Deeds Not Words' is a powerful call to arms (one this well-mannered, mid-week audience was not quite roused by, however hard the cast worked). Jane Austen is introduced next with a lovely little vignette of word play and she introduces Frida Kahlo for 'A World Of Colour'. Barely pausing for breath, the four women all re-appear for 'Mary, Mary, Marie', a really pleasing, humorous introduction to Mary Anning, Mary Seacole, Marie Curie and Fifi Super Spy (whose real name was also Marie!)
It feels like we are coming to the end, and then – then, in walks Rosa Parks. Despite her gentle demeanour and beautifully melodic 'Lullaby Little Girl', this was probably the strongest character of the night. From the hype and the kickass atmosphere, suddenly there was this very tender moment when a young black girl reaches back a few generations and meets a compelling role model. And this poignancy was reinforced as they reflected on Anne Frank’s story and noted that not every story has a happy ending.
One of this show’s successes is that it delivers twelve very different women, with very different backgrounds and different stories. Chris Bush’s writing doesn’t sugar-coat their difficulties; she keeps the characters grounded and presents them as everyday women, someone Jade (or any young audience member) could aspire to emulate.
With the return of the disembodied PA voice, the closing of the gallery is announced. Jade is, finally, found by her teacher and the whole cast dive into 'Fantastically Great'.
By now, even this polite audience were clapping along and cheering, the cast’s exuberance having finally rocked us to join in and thoroughly lap up the Megamix!
As a unit, Jade Kennedy, Renee Lamb, Christina Modestou and Kirstie Skivington, are a powerhouse of attitude, talent, and passion. They are clearly invested in the stories they tell and aim to inspire their predominantly young, female audience. My favourite, if one is allowed a favourite in what is such an ensemble effort, was Christine Modestou who gave three notably different and rounded characters. However, a special mention must go to the moving portrayal of Rosa Parks by Renee Lamb. Elise Zavou could have been overwhelmed by such strong performers, but she holds her own and gave a natural and believable account of Jade. Mic issues notwithstanding, these are all great vocalists, backed by an awesome 3-piece band. It is hard not to draw comparisons with 'Six', there is a familiarity to the musical style and a definite panache for stunning historical costumes with a modern twist – a peruse of the programme shows many links with the 'Six' team. I hope 'Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World' goes on to have similar success and acclaim, it certainly deserves it.
Having seen a lot of theatre aimed at children, this slightly jaded teacher was expecting something patronising and flimsy tonight – I was delighted to be proved wrong and to leave the Lowry with a spring in my step!
Reviewer - Justine Sutcliffe
on - 6.4.22
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