This from the creators of SIX, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’s new fancy musical is loosely based on their own lives. ‘Oliver and Nancy’, not their real names, are played by Jo Foster and Leesa Tulley. There are plenty of other musical theatre jokes in there for a lively young audience who are whooping and lapping it all up.
Is the question answered, well yes, sort of. There’s a lot of meandering to get to the answer along a highway of musical hits and scenes.
Sheer force of acting, though, rather than character development leaves Nancy with a lot of dialogue but not that much to say. Oliver – a queer, non-binary deeper character is the one you care about. Jo Foster, playing Oliver is certainly one to watch. Jo has been directed by Lucy Moss in Legally Blonde and now in this, and directed by Luke Sheppard in & Juliet and the Live Aid musical and they are fast becoming a star. Leesa Tulley, a SIX (UK Tour) alumni, playing a broad Glaswegian Nancy belts out the numbers but a bit harshly at times. Art is the wise neighbour, played by Noah Thomas, a scene-stealer who we crave more of. The concept of getting together and putting on a show is tried and tested but the lines between the characters and their show are blurred, Is the bee the big number or an aside? It gets very confusing and there’s an awful lot to unpack.
Musical numbers run from rap to disco, rock and ballad. Dance styles from hip hop, break dancing and even a full on tap number to C U Never in the Twist cafe. Choreography team Ellen Kane and Michael Naylor have created a powerful carousel of dance and movement.
C U Never at the Twist Cafe
Moi Tran’s set design with doors as light boxes is dynamic and will travel well giving this show its visual identity.
The disco ball scene with its pop video choreography and powerful message is the memorable take away from the show. As is the furniture with the ensemble as various bits of set including an almost show stopping rug and lampshade.
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
All the attributes are there but there’s no match for me, so I’m swiping left on this one.
#SOSINGLEMUSICAL
GARRICK THEATRE
2 Charing Cross Road London WC2H 0HH
P.S. Trigger alert warning – prosecco is used indiscriminately throughout this production. Talking of which, yes the bar has to earn from merch and drinks but this wasn’t well done – no prices as they veered from £12 to £16. Just one price please.
Cocktail list at Why Am I So Single?
P.P.S.
The show will now conclude its West End run on Sunday 19 January 2025, with tickets for performances after that date set to be refunded. It’s always sad when a show closes early (even the tortuous Opening Night!) but the theatre family move on and the talent keeps shining.
