Our House

Packed with huge song-and-dance numbers, theatrical innovation, clever and colourful costumes, Our House asks a lot from its cast and crew. I know, I have been in it, but Act One, they delivered.

The songs are by legendary band Madness, which makes for a fabulous starting point. From the moment the company belt out the title number, the energy levels rarely let up. Ben Clark as Lewis, James Smith as Emmo and Joe Casey. The story revolves around Joe, a north London schoolboy who is about to turn 16. He is played by Cheeky Chappie Dean Little. Dean what a performance you gave us, confident, powerful, your stage presence was phenomenal, you never even faltered when your clothes were hanging off your back. Along with Ben, James showed some great comedy and you all shone in “My Girl”.

On his birthday Joe breaks into a new block of flats to show his date Sarah the view over London. The police arrive and he must decide whether to run or give himself up. Here the narrative splits into two, following the fortunes of Good Joe (in white) and Bad Joe (in black). The storyline by Tim Firth is the weakest part of Our House, contrived and difficult to follow in places, particularly with the ghost of Joe’s departed dad, James Coare, appearing at regular intervals to recall his son’s poor decisions.

Broaden Bottle as Angie, and Lauren Friday as Billie, all turn in good strong performances, but much rests on the young shoulders of Dean of  who is hardly ever off stage and must relentlessly swap personas from good to bad Joe. It is a remarkably assured performance, and a terrific showcase for both his stage presence and technical skills. Girlfriend Sarah (Charlie Steff) is played with good morals and steely sweetness. Joe's Mum Kath (Berni Gibson) gave us that maturity with a certain grace that we needed from Joe’s Mum. Gary Tidy gave a solid characterization as hard nut and criminal Reecey. These were all backed up by, Richard Adams, Ollie Setterfield, Donna Foord, and Morgan Lawrence.

Costumes were in period and colourful, and props were great (car especially). Director Becky Friday, you made this Our House come to life by choosing a splendid cast and along with MD Ed Greenhalgh and choreographer Lauren Friday, gave us all in the small audience (it deserved many more) a truly great evening. The Taylor Hall is a nice venue, but acoustics are not good, even for cast with personal mikes, and I had a problem hearing, and with the orchestra on the side made it even more difficult. Also lighting I could see was well planned by Ben Clark, but it wasn’t carried out as expected. Maybe because it was first night I’m sure you will sort that out. That’s my gripe - sorry.

Well done to Act 1 not an easy one to stage but you succeeded, and your audience enjoyed your “Our House” as did I and my guest.

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