Bad Girls The Musical

Choreographer: Jean Griffiths

This was the first show by Congress which I have seen at Shaw Playhouse which lent itself very well to the show and intimate setting. With the action happening down on the floor with seating above, it gave the illusion of looking down into the prison.   I had not seen the show before but remember the TV series fondly and was looking forward to hearing the music it was set to. I certainly was not disappointed and felt really intimidated by these “Bad Girls”.   Each of the girls stories were portrayed wonderfully by their actresses. The whole cast including the chorus was so strong both in acting skills and vocally.   The 4 males in the cast worked well opposite the girls and Samuel Maurice as Justin and John Whitehead as Jim Fenner both did sterling jobs. Fenner is such a despicable character and John played this brilliantly and even looked like the TV character.   The only female Prison Officer was played by Elaine Thomson who looked and sounded the part. I loved her songs with John as Fenner and the direction and choreography of these was faultless.   Laura Meredith-Hoyle played the role of Governess Helen Stewart showing great acting and vocal skills. Her voice has such warmth to it and her dueting skills especially her scenes and songs with Vicki Stott playing Nicki Wade really tugged at the heartstrings.   Vicki Stott put in a very credible performance as the tough Wade trying to survive inside knowing that her girlfriend on the outside has moved on.   Justine Moore and Tori Green as Denny Blood and Shell Dockley were fantastic in their roles with each softening as they decide on different courses of action. Vocally both these players conquered their songs and the depth of characters and transition to not so bad girl was lovely to watch.   Joanne Gill played a wonderful Yvonne Atkins, the rich one who can get anything inside if she really wants to. Again great vocals and believable acting. Noreen Biggs was played by Doreen Firth the slightly older inmate who in the most charming way sticks two fingers up at authority. Brilliantly played with great comic timing.   Rachel Whitehead had the most beautiful number of the show and performed it to perfection bring a great many tears to my eyes. Her acting as Crystal Gordon the bible bashing inmate was clever and well rounded.   Jane Wood portrayed the part of Rachel Hicks who struggles inside on her maiden night wonderfully. Frightened and scared her whole demeanour was totally believable.   The two Julies played by Samantha Bates and Nicola Mead were very funny but also touching whilst looking out for each other. I loved the scene where Samantha had to phone home to explain to her son where she is and the song with both of them, Joanne Gill and Samuel Maurice was extremely funny.   The set although simple in its design looked fantastic and I especially liked the graphics and projection of prison wings and stairs. The stairs under the seating was utilised well and the upper level set worked well from where I was sitting. The lighting plot set up the scenes nicely and the direction had been thought through and executed to make the most of the area used.   The band complimented the wonderful vocals of the cast and I have to say there was not a weak link within the show from any angle. A great show performed faultlessly by a stunningly talented cast, crew and band. I loved those Bad Girls!

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