Our House

A really good version of a musical featuring the music of Madness – with plenty of energy from an enthusiastic cast.

I thought Sam Gaines directed well, using the cast to its full capacity, keeping the action contained, but at the same time making use of the entire stage.  Seamless scene changes and effective use of props (specially the desks) was appreciated. Nicely achieved.

Lighting was good, I liked the flashing lights in Scene 3 for the police, and the lovely charm of the moon and strings of lights in Scene 11.  Sound balance was also good.

Costumes were mainly good, the quick changes for Joe were excellent, that in itself deserved recognition for his team. I particularly liked the white overalls, and the showgirl outfits, which stood out because they were different to the other costumes. 

Susana Tierney had a small but very tuneful band, who accompanied well, but really let rip for the dance numbers, and the quality of the numbers was good throughout.  Some nice nuances within the various songs made them good to listen to.  There were some lovely harmonies, particularly between Dad and Joe.

The choreography was good throughout, Niki Dunn used some imaginative steps and patterns within the dance numbers, and everyone performed with ease and energy.  I particularly enjoyed Baggy Trousers, it was full of content, and very well done.  I also liked in some numbers that the basic steps were used by all, but the ensemble could put their own spin on it. Joe and Sarah’s dance was charming and well-danced, enhanced by the set and lighting with the moon etc.

I felt the production started slowly and didn’t match up to the energy of the rest of the production.

Camden Market was a lively number, the umbrellas were colourful and handled well.

Driving in My Car was a fun number in the impossibly pink car, I enjoyed the enthusiasm and togetherness of the six friends.

Excellent energy in Wings of a Dove, and I thought My Girl was very humorous, and suited the three boys well.

Matt Fowler played Joe well, keeping it young, but within the bounds of possibility, I enjoyed both sides of Joe. Matt was on stage more or less continuously and accomplished many very quick changes with apparent ease.  I thought he did a great job, and I enjoyed his relationship with Sarah.

Katie Garnett played Sarah well, getting the edginess and ambition of the character, whilst maintaining a girl-next-door feel. I enjoyed her rendition of It Must Be Love.

Ben Fricke made a first-rate Dad, great voice that suited the songs well, and loved the poignant moment between Dad and Joe at the end.  A good performance from Ben.

I liked the character of Kath, which Isobel Wiggins played to perfection, a typical Irish Mum, to whom family is key – well done.

Katy Jane Meehan and Kate Chafer as Sarah’s quirky friends Billie and Angie, did a good job, and contrasted well as really up-front girls compared to Sarah’s slightly more reserved character.  Their costumes echoed the differences too.

Jason Margolin and Lee Cox as Joe’s friends, Emmo and Lewis, gave good portrayals which added humour and fun to the show.  Nice one boys!

Ruaridh MacPhee as the wide boy Reecey, was a contrast to the other guys, really showing off the nasty side to his character, I liked what he did.

The smooth property developer, Mr Pressman, gave Howard Salinger the chance to give a mature performance amongst the youngsters, which was quality.

I liked the fact that the ensemble had short biogs in the programme, a nice touch, and they were very much involved by taking small roles etc, as well as performing in the chorus numbers.

I really enjoyed the show, and the high energy from the whole cast throughout.

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