Our House

OUR House, The Madness Musical.   Pride, love and community were all brought to the stage for this production of the Madness musical with family at its heart. The main thrust of the story is right versus wrong when North Londoner, 16 year-old Joe, has to decide whether to run from the police or stay and face the consequences.   The story splits into two alternative lives: a white door and Joe dressed in white trackie or the black door and smart black suit.  

The set was excellent, and designed for maximum impact. There was minimum disruption as the various scene changes took place ranging from offices, homes, street and court.    The props were fabulous;  particularly the boat in “Night Boat to Cairo” and the car “Driving in my car”.

All the costumes were of the highest quality; there was great attention to detail in ensuring each character was appropriately dressed.  A lot of thought had gone into the use of costume and Joe’s quick changes, especially the one done on the stage, which was very impressive.

The lighting was well controlled and used effectively.   The sound was excellent and the fabulous singing voices of all the principles balanced well with the live band making the dialogue clear and easily understood.  

This production was not just full of fun songs.  It also tackled social issues such as how society tackles reformed prisoners.   It was ambitious and the entire cast performed with great assurance.   Its almost impossible to single out anyone but Charlie Steggall deserves special mention as Joe; he was on stage for virtually all of the show and when he wasn’t, he was in the wings doing a frantically quick change!  The energy levels rarely let up.  The choreography from Debbie Hemmings  enabled the youthful exuberance to shine through,  showing all the right Madness moves.  Under the direction of John Eddie, with musical direction from Rachel Glover, this was an evening of huge fun, familiar songs and another success for Bats Next Gen.

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