Bad Girls

“Bad Girls, the Musical”, In Your Face Theatre’s inaugural production, is based on the popular award-winning television drama. The show was certainly something new for me, both in terms of its hard hitting content, but also how the Director Wayne Malcolm staged the show in the round. This concept created a very intimate atmosphere between the audience and the cast. Wayne, an experienced Director, did a great job in staging a controversial and well thought out performance and certainly got the best out of the cast. One of the things I loved about this musical was the musical score which was in the capable hands of Jordan Alexander and his band. The choreography was good and Michael Coulson ensured that he was able to create the atmosphere through the dance and movement to emphasis the tensions and the story in the individual scenes.

The story is set in the fictional HMP Larkhall, and centres on an idealistic governor, played by Yvonne Newton, and her battles with the traditional and not so professional screws. Yvonne gave a good performance, had good stage presence and delivered her musical number well. Jeff Page gave a convincing performance as the manipulative and deceitful Fenner, and I particularly enjoyed his musical numbers “The Key” and “First Lady”. Anne Malpass played Sylvia “Bodybag”Hollamby, and as always Anne gave a truly convincing performance with great stage presence, and I loved her musical number “Jailcraft”. There were equally strong performances from the other prison officers, Matthew Daglish as Justin Mattison, Richie Lenox Petre as Mathew Stephenson, and Jonathon Ryan as The Number One, who all provided strong supporting performances with good character portrayals.

The Cons all gave standout performances, notably the comedy duet Elizabeth Sergent, as Julie Saunders, and David “Blanche” Jackson, as Julie Johnson. Who were very entertaining with great acting, and again delivered musical numbers well. Strong performance from Kloe Elizibeth Wilson, as Rachael Hicks, and Alexandra Cox, as Crystal Gordon, who showed great character interpretation, and I loved her musical number “Freedom Road”, delivered with great passion. Good performances came from Charlie Stephenson, as Yvonne Atkinson, Rachael Branthwaite, as Denny Blood, Erin Moyse, as Michelle Dockley,  Denise Page, as Noreen Biggs and Gemma Louise Ross who confidently played the character of Nicky Wade. There were some great performances from the Cons in terms of individual character interpretation.

Congratulations and well done to all involved in this interesting and brave choice of production. It worked so well, and I really enjoyed the evening.

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