Big Fish

This was my first time seeing this new musical. I remember the film, so knew the premise of the story and was intrigued how the stories of a man, trying to impress his young son, would play out as they would be difficult to stage. 

There was a minimal set with tiered steps at the rear and few trucks or furniture to move on and off. There was a walkway from the stage all the way around the band and projection on the sides and back wall. This worked so well as with such a large cast it enabled them room to move on the full ensemble numbers. The direction of both casting and blocking of the scenes were well worked on, from a strong cast and the scenes got the most from the tales.

The sound was fabulous, and although there were a couple of little hitches on lighting, I did go on opening night so I’m sure these were ironed out for future performances.

The music was new to me, but I have to say I loved it. The variations and styles allowed for light and shade in both music and choreography. Not knowing the music well, I think there were a couple of numbers that were a bit slow by the band. It was however a lovely sound with brass, reeds and strings for the variety of numbers.

The choreography was varied due to the differences in each musical number. Liz Cardall had kept things simple in some of the big chorus numbers to cater to the mixed abilities. However, this worked well and was very effective. Liz also used the younger members with gymnastic abilities, creating a circus atmosphere in some of those numbers.

A special mention needs to be given to the wardrobe team and those helping backstage with the numerous and fast costume changes. Again, there were a couple of malfunctions, but to be honest, in a show with this many changes, that is almost inevitable. Well done team.

The story centres around Edward Bloom, who is a travelling salesman, and when he is home, tells stories of his adventures on the road to his young son. The scenes flit between his younger self and older self as his son is about to marry and have a child. Will Bloom, his son, is struggling to reconcile who his Dad really is as he feels the stories are clouding the real Edward.

Joe Clarke was brilliant as Edward with great vocals on all his numbers, super acting too, showing both the sensitive and outgoing Edward and some nifty dance moves!  His scenes with Billy Clarke (as young Will) were really touching and the full Company numbers were superbly led by Joe. His characterisation was lovely, whether he was playing young or older Edward. He was barely off stage (and then only to costume change) and his character wasn’t released in chronological order but moved from young to old throughout which is always difficult to play.

Aimee Clare was excellent as Sandra Bloom. I adored their love story and the chemistry really worked between Aimee and Joe. Vocally Aimee was faultless, and I really loved the songs she dueted with Joe as their voices blended so well. Two Men in My Life was a brilliantly delivered song and set the stage for her pull between husband and son. I Don’t Need a Roof was absolutely beautiful and gorgeously delivered and made me cry. Great believable acting from Aimee throughout.

Scott Heath played the troubled son Will with ease. He conveyed the angst he felt really well, and his vocals were superb. Jennifer Haney played Will’s wife Josephine and I loved her role in bringing father and son together.

Billy Clarke was wonderful as young Will and also in his ensemble roles. I loved the song Fight the Dragons with Joe, which Billy delivered brilliantly. His acting shone and seemed very natural. Well done, Billy.

The supporting cast all put in lovely performances, but a special mention goes to Georgia Brooksbank (as Witch) as her vocals raised the roof in her song The Witch. Matt Austin as Karl the Giant was fabulous and on stilts for much of the show and Michael Shneck as Amos Calloway was very commanding and funny in his scenes and songs.

I have to say, I loved this show. It made me laugh, cry and feel totally engrossed in the story and music. A huge show which the cast performed beautifully.

Full credit to the society for taking on this mammoth challenge and especially Louise Colohan, the director, for her vision and making this such a magical evening complete with Elephant, Giants, Mermaids and Witches.

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