Our House

Having never seen Our House previously I was unsure what to expect, I had previously heard of the Madness music and wondered what the story line would be. What followed was a wonderfully written moral battle with unexpected twists and turns which showed a very real-life struggle of how one decision can change your life. To be completely honest I genuinely don’t know where to begin on this exceptionally well put together show.

One of best take aways from the show was the excellent way the show was set with very well used moving small scenery pieces such as multiple doors and columns showing both the dark and light side and helping the audience follow which story line was being portrayed. This was accompanied by a fabulous series of projected backdrops that enhanced the compelling tale. Every scene showed a different hidden surprise of theatrical magic with cars seamlessly appearing and disappearing, elevated balconies and even some exceptionally well used body double to assist the main cast with there quick changes. At some points making difficult to decide who you really were watching.

I must admit that often costumes don’t get mentioned enough in show reviews. However, these were so well thought out and put together I think they deserve a section for themselves. The theme of good and bad was yet again displayed to great affect with the ‘good’ stories being cast in pale hews and the ‘bad’ decisions being in dark. This was demonstrated primarily by the main character Joe Casey portrayed by Connor Wilson but also spreading to the ensemble with such well thought out sets that everyone fit together so seamlessly. Credit must go to the wardrobe team.

The music was simply fabulous and what a band. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought that the cast were singing to an excellent quality recording. I could not find one negative thing to say about this truly talented group. This only emphasised the wonderfully energetic cast. With favourites singing performances of mine being My Girls Mad at Me, Baggy Trousers, Driving in My Car, and the finale. I must mention the amazing voice of Rachel Wheatley as Sarah especially when singing NW5, it was truly jaw dropping especially when accompanied with Joe’s Dad played by Neal Edin.

The cast where energetic and really helped lift the show and keep the show flowing. I must commend Connor Wilson for playing Joe Casey. What a fabulously talented young man. He portrayed each side of Joe Casey to an exceptional standard, and I was truly amazed at how he kept his energy going. Katherine Fitzgerald playing Kath Casey was a lovely light addition to the cast giving the show a centre spot and air of happiness when all seemed lost. The devious and menacing pairing of Joseph Dough and John Ainsley playing Reecey and Mr Pressman added the sinister air to the tale which both delivered to alarming success. The comedic value of this show was only enhanced by the amazing pairing of Emmo and Lewis played by Joe Porte and Joe Spence. Every joke was delivered with such excellence in timing that it just had the cast smiling as soon as they came on stage. Finally, the pairing of Angie and Billie played by Elinor Kirby and Megan Wilson was just spectacular, they worked so well together you would think they were one person the carefully placed and delivered jibes and jokes were perfect.

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