BAD GIRLS THE MUSICAL

“Bad Girls: The Musical” is hard hitting entertainment with strong musical numbers and a fabulously character driven cast, playing out the gritty storylines of the inmates and employees of G wing, HMP Larkhall. 

It is based on the TV drama series, which I watched with complete loyalty when it aired on TV.  It tells the story of life in a women's prison with all the conflicting tensions between the inmates and the prison officers.  The story is very harsh in some of its content with very strong sexual overtones running through it all the time – it is not for the faint hearted.  This production was full of strong characters - everyone in the company had obviously spent time developing their on stage personalities and maintained them entirely throughout the show – even when the “focus” wasn’t on them.

Lucy Evans as Helen Stewart, the wing governor got just the right blend of authority and care for the inmates and Alicia Roberts (Shell Dockley) had great characterisation and obviously enjoyed being the ‘Bad Girl’!

The two Julies (Jane Collins and Pat Poole as Saunders & Johnston respectively) worked brilliantly together and brought some great humour to the scenes.  Jane Collins delivered the soul searching musical number “Sorry” with such emotion.

Heather Coulton (Nikki Wade) was outstanding.  Her vocals were simply brilliant – this lady knows how to tell stories through song – her rendition of “One Moment” was breathtaking, and her duet with Lucy (Helen Stewart) “Every Night” was absolutely stunning.

Holly Pennington (Crystal Gordon) is another talented young lady who has the most stunning voice too – I was completely blown away by her delivery of “Freedom Road”, the opening to Act 2!  Just beautiful

The vocals were outstanding in every single musical number in this production – from principals and ensemble.  Very very strong delivery – totally in character the whole time. The entire cast were clearly having a fantastic time as a group on stage.

Dave Collins (Jim Fenner) was a complete creep playing the over sexed principal officer – his musical number “The Key” sent shivers down my spine throughout his performance.  A part played with great conviction – well done Dave!

Julie Kettlewell (Senior Officer “Bodybag” Sylvia Hollamby) brought great humour to this character, and she and Mr Fenner were a great “double act” – their musical numbers “Jailcraft” and “The Future is Bright” were so well delivered, with just the right amount of humour. 

Charlotte Foss (Denny Blood) & Amber Giles (Yvonne Atkins) both played very hard faced loud-mouthed characters and delivered these characterisations brilliantly.

Emma Buckee (Rachel Hicks) was outstanding as the new inmate who is very naive and is being bullied by all the other inmates, and Jim Fenner – ultimately leading to her suicidal death.  Her characterisation from the moment the show opened (what a brave lady to stand on stage in that opening scene...well done Emma!) until her untimely death never faltered for one second.  She had the perfect tone and “shake” of nervousness in her voice.  The whole audience really felt sorry for her – she was so believable.

Christine Castle (Noreen Biggs) – the “old timer” played this cameo role with superb comic timing.  Her “one liners” and rude gestures were delivered with ease – and for those of us who know Christine so well I think it’s fair to say we were a little shocked at some of her outbursts!  Hilarious!!!

There were great supporting cameo roles from Jonathan Spry (Number One) and Tim Ryan (Officer), complete with a whole host of very “dodgy” inmates, whose characterisations were all completely different, but brilliantly portrayed throughout.  They were also ably supported by the Prison Officers, who effected very slick scene changes throughout the whole evening too.

The set was outstanding on a split level – complete with stunning lighting and sound effects which completely enhanced the atmosphere of the entire production.  The set concealed the band members who played brilliantly from their specially designed orchestra pit behind the inner walls of Larkhall! 

The entire cast pulled out all the stops to ensure an outstanding nights entertainment.  Huge congratulations go to Anita Adams (Director/choreographer) and Adam Boniface (MD) for delivering such a brilliant production. 

 

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