I am sure this show will launch three future stars of the West End stage, who will definitely go onto bigger and even more notable performances. 'The Verge Of Forever' is a two-person show using a very small set. The studio area of The Other Palace is an intimate place for this newly launched Musical which works so well within the space. Written by Olly Novello, who was himself due to perform the role of Leo, but his singing voice is currently incapacitated, could not perform this evening, instead introduced the show before handing over to his understudy Finlay McKillop. I would assume the musical was based on the life experience of Novello and his close friends. This is a story that appeals to anyone who suffered a broken heart in their late teens and also the worry of awaiting A Level results, upon which all future aspirations lie.
Finlay McKillop has a fine voice and a wonderful stage presence, playing the sixteen year old Leo who struggles from the modern day issues of teenagers finding a partner and having to use social media to do so. Enter Marie, played by the lovely Scarlett Ayers. This is Ayers’s first major role, and I can say there will be many more. She also has an incredible voice and stage presence. Leo and Marie meet online and begin a teenage love affair full of innocent romance, unbeknown to them how life can get in the way of relationships. It is the two year journey through the pandemic, while studying for A Levels and auditioning for drama school. The seventy-minute performance is completely set to song, it is an amazing lyrical and musical show, musically directed by Niall Casserly. I was not sure what to expect and this evening, I have been pleasantly surprised at the ability of this set up of fresh-faced performers and young writer. If this is the future of stage, then we are in safe hands. Olly Novello has already been commissioned to write music for stage and screen, so he is already set for a bright future. 'The Verge Of Forever' is something to be proud of. I completely understood the worry of awaiting A Level results and the fact that your whole future life is hinged around these. Novello has woven all of this teenage angst and love into a story about the anticipation of being accepted into a drama degree course. The uncertainty of where you will end up, is the University the best place you can attend, the jealousy and how the competitiveness for these places takes over your mind and controls your feelings about yourself and others.
As with all things in life we suffer disappointment, joy, love and relief but these are the feelings that drive us forward. Never knowing what tomorrow will bring. All the best stories revolve around real life and the sympathy we feel for the characters that grow on stage in front of us. Novello has brought a charm and modern take to the London stage with 'The Verge Of Forever' and we all know that forever never really arrives. I hope this show goes into other venues and I wish all those involved much success for the future and I will be looking out for these fantastic new stars of tomorrow.
Reviewer - Penny Curran
on - 9.8.23
on - 9.8.23
No comments:
Post a Comment