Our House

OUR HOUSE

Stone Revellers Musical Theatre

I can see the headlines now…  Revellers bring utter madness to Stone. Whilst the canal town goes about its daily business, Stone Revellers Musical Theatre decided to liven things up in a completely nutty way, the way of - Madness. This of course, is the band Madness and their Our House Musical based on their distinct and instantly recognisable hit songs we all know so well.

A simple but effective set, consisting of three terrace style doors, one Black, one White and Mrs Casey’s castle, red doored number 25 Casey Street, together with a raised balcony area which worked really well.

From the get-go, toes were a tapping, heads were bobbing, as the ultra-infectious beats revealed the opening number, a dancing competition with Dawn Huxley as Mrs Casey, together with husband played by Sean Galloghly, where she announces their forthcoming child, Joe. Both showed their experience and class in their roles.

Joe Casey, Dan Stubbs, an excellent performance, the good and bad duality of this role must be a head spinner at times, he sang with a passion and exuberance, great harmonies particularly with his dad in Act II.   

Joe’s love interest in both realities Sarah, Emma Wilson, gave us a lovely, almost understated performance, which perfectly complimenting the wayward laddish Joe.

Their friends, Lewis and Emmo, Joe Jenkinson and George Harratt, together with Angie and Billie, Hannah Patrick and Jasmine Gould respectively, really bounced off one another, the banter and put downs, all delivered to great comic effect, subtly aging as they went from school leavers to adults, good voices as well.

Reecey, Dan Lewis-Dayle, suitably nasty and menacing character, great interaction with the rest of the cast. Likewise, property developer Mr Pressman, Leo Capernaros, grittily prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals and ultimately turn successful good Joe into bad Joe and vice-versa.

The many multiple roles, Police, Judges, Teachers, Warders, Prisoners, neighbours from the very capable supporting cast, served the storytelling to perfection, Mr. Pressman’s secretary’s book cover judging reactions to the differing Joe’s was really well observed.

First time Director Hannah Adams clearly had a vision as to how she wanted the show to look, high-energy seemed to be the watchword. The Oliver homage was hilarious. Hannah did herself and the company proud, a brilliant job. It’s daunting enough to direct any show, a musical even more so, a very niche, sound-specific musical. I know it is always a team effort bringing shows to the stage, in her words, her team were incredible. Says it all really – Hats off to Hannah!!

Musical Director David Patrick must also be highly commended for his very capable efforts in bringing together such an amazing realisation of the unique sound of Madness, so key to conveying the essence of the songs and giving the cast a fabulous basis to “do the show”.

Choreography from Angela Whitney, recreated the nutty dance styles well, great fluidity and syncopated movement throughout the show from the cast, particularly on such a relatively small stage. Baggy Trousers, Shut Up, Embarrassment and Riding in My Car were the standout numbers for me. That said they were all good.

Costumes and make up, sound and lighting were excellent, a couple of late mic cues didn’t interfere at all really.

The Revellers excelled. A slick show from start to finish, a top notch evening of entertainment, it would be madness to miss it.

 

 

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