BREXIT, WHAT A SONG AND DANCE

This performance of Brexit, What a Song and Dance! – was my first ever visit to a production by Yew Tree Youth Theatre.  I know that they don’t usually perform musicals, however they reversed their decision and put on 2 excellent performances of this fictitious tale.  It was a brave and right decision to make.

This ingenious piece, cleverly written by Sarah Osborne and Jamie Langridge, who is responsible for the original musical numbers – all very “appropriate” to convey the story line.

This tale was inspired by the real life events we have all witnessed in recent years, and whether you are interested in politics or not, you couldn’t help but be entertained by these talented youngsters.

The performance took place in the Horbury Working Mens Club – an interesting setting which work perfectly for the piece.  The performers were on full view of the audience at all times and stepped into the performing area when their “character(s)” were required for the scene.  The cast members played anywhere from 1 up to 7 “characters” throughout the performance – and their characterisation never failed in whatever guise they were in.  Red, white and blue bunting “dressed” the club – with the occasional Union Jack flag thrown in for good measure.  Base costumes were white t-shirts, black trousers and colour socks – and then additional “garments” were added to depict the characters being played – really well thought out, so that you knew instantly who the characters were meant to be.

The story unfolded through the eyes of Anna & Joe – excellently played by Alice & Jeevan.  Their diction was crystal clear throughout both spoken and sung performance.  The plot was based on their experience of Brexit – one of them “for” it and one of them “against” it, but it was also interweaving a kind of love story – seeing how their love grew for each other…putting all things aside…the unlikely couple with a happy ending for them!

There were the battles of the “leave” campaign from Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, expertly played by Sam, John & Fern…versus the “remain” campaign from David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Jeremy Corbyn, also expertly played by Olli, Natasha & Robin.  Add into the mix expert narration by the well known political journalist Laura Kuenssberg – played by Layla, with incredible diction and clear story telling.  Here we have a recipe for lies, deceit, incompetence and stubbornness – some would say pretty much an average day as an MP!

Enter Theresa May – superbly played by Ellie, and her “lonely” husband Phillip May, played by Olli.  Ellie’s musical number “Running Through the Fields of Wheat” was what lead to the idea of the musical from Jamie’s perspective – it was certainly a poignant number which had members of the audience “tittering” throughout.

Even Donald Trump got in on the act – excellently played by John.  We caught a glimpse of the “special relationship” between him and Theresa May.  I must make comment at this time on the performance by John – playing both Boris Johnson and Donald Trump – his mannerisms and expressions of both characters were uncanny…at times I actually believed they were in the room!

We were also introduced to Vladimir Putin – played by Olli, performing a song and dance routine with his trolls!  Villagers of a small town called Pettico (an Irish Village) voiced their opinions against Brexit.  Congratulations must go to the “villagers” for their excellent Irish accents. 

Excellent cameos of John Major and Nicola Sturgeon – played by Amelia and Becca, completed this riotous story…along with a whole host of hecklers, refugees, EU members, aides, bar persons, photographers and a member of the KGB!

There was a cast of 12 people playing almost 50 characters – there certainly was something for everyone to do in this production!

Sarah & Jamie – your collaboration is an excellent piece of musical theatre.  One which I hope other groups will take interest in and perform in months and years to come.  In Sarah’s words – it is witty, whimsical and utterly wild.  To quote Boris Johnson – “you got Brexit, What a Song and Dance done”!  Be very proud.

Congratulations to you all!

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