Unbelievably this is a humorous and uplifting musical. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and have been very impressed with the quality of the performers, music and lighting in such a small and quiet venue.
Chris Burgess, the writer, based this musical on the story of Peter Scott Morgan who was known as the Human Cyborg. Peter Scott Morgan was also one half of the first gay couple to get married in England and featured in a reality TV show. Peter battled Motor Neurone disease which is debilitating for anyone, but almost destroyed the spirit of this flamboyant and larger than life character. Chris was inspired to put this story to music and lyrics and has achieved an intoxicating mix of fun, empathy and catchy songs.
There are only five performers in this show and they have created a team that appear to have fun and enjoyment in their camaraderie. I do hope they are friends outside of the musical. This is why the musical works.
Dylan Aiello (RADA trained) steps into the main character of Adam (Peter) and his life partner, Daryl, is played by Dominic Sullivan (Yale and Lamda trained). These two performers have strong and vibrant voices. They complement each other and move from a life of hedonism into a relationship of love and need. Adam’s voice changes throughout the performance echoing the loss through the decline of motor neurone disease and then into the Supersonic Man.
Usually I would talk about the other cast members as supplementary figures, but this time their parts are as important as the main two. Mali Wen Davies, Adam’s closest friend, almost becomes the narrator and keeps the show moving forward. She has a voice like a Nightingale as she demonstrates in her performance! An incredible talent waiting for even bigger things to come calling. Jude St James who can turn herself into a myriad of characters but straying a constant voice of reason throughout with another remarkable voice. Finally, James Lowrie, who makes a stunning opening performance during the first song ‘Once upon a time’ was in my eyes the character who lightened the whole show. He reminds me of a young Louis Spence in his movements, but with a fine singing voice as well, but I should say he will be a star in his own rite.
Aaron Clingham should be commended as the musical director and Steven Edis the musical arranger both with a huge portfolio of work, have given this little musical show a real base for the story to build on. There is a fluid transitioning between song and dialogue throughout. The musical arrangements bring this songs to life and with catchy and memorable tunes. David Shields the designer has created an effective backdrop of Brighton seafront so you know we are at the centre of the universe and everything that Brighton has to offer. Although it’s a smaller London Venue the lighting was effective and showcased the sunset effects and created more sombre moments when needed as well as full sunlight on Brighton Beach.
The show is fun despite the underlying storyline and Chris Burgess has created a musical out of sorrow and despair and made it a tribute to Peter Scott Morgan.
Running from 9th April – 3rd May 2025
www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
Telephone: 02074070234
Reviewer - Penny Curran
On - Friday 25th April 2025.
No comments:
Post a Comment