Our House

“Our House” -This exciting musical is based on the music of Madness, the popular Ska-pop band of the 1980’s. It follows the story of a London lad who, when reaching his 16th birthday, has to make a choice between two courses in life.  On the surface, this musical celebrates the musical catalogue of Madness but there is a much deeper under story that sets any society attempting to stage this musical some serious acting and singing challenges. Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Society are never one to duck a challenge and I am pleased to say that they met this one head on and came out with their heads held high.

The story centres around 16-year-old Joe Casey, played by the highly talented Mason Howell. In trying to impress his girlfriend on a night out, he decides to show off by breaking into a building site.  As the police arrive herein lies Joe’s dilemma, should he stay and feel the full force of the law, or should he flee?  The acting challenge for Mason is to play two very different Joes, the good and the bad and Mason pulls it off superbly. He manages to make you question that he is playing both roles by changing his attitude and his stance, is it really one person?  He also has an amazing singing voice especially in the title song and his duet with girlfriend Sarah, ‘It Must be Love’ and not only that, he’s also a very proficient mover. If that wasn’t enough, he then has to have umpteen costume changes as he is continually going back and forth between Good Joe and Bad Joe. All credit to Mason and his dressers as one of the hallmarks of the enjoyment of Zoe Russell’s production was its pace and this was kept up throughout.

Another acting challenge that “Our House” is met by Carl Cook playing Joe’s Dad’. Throughout the majority of the action, Joe’s Dad is dead, and it means that Carl has no interaction with any of the other characters.  Carl handled this flawlessly as he was often part of the action as an observer – his magnetic stage presence drew you to him as you were witness to a whole gamut of expressions, reacting to the action being played out in front of him and being able to read his thoughts. Equally, Carl is no mean singer, and his rendition of ‘Simple Equation’ was a particular highlight.

“Our House” also gives younger actors the chance to shine and Joe’s schoolmates play a central part to the storyline. Lewis, Alex Ingram, Emmo, Connor Hassan, Billie, Heather Hadley and Angie, Darcy Powell were a great team and provided a lot of the comedy in the show, which they handled deftly. Their enthusiasm flooded over the footlights making you feel quite exhausted at their boundless energy and talent. ‘Driving in My Car’ was a delight.

Joe’s girlfriend, Sarah played by Jessica Timms was a joy to watch. Sarah’s role was as a sort of good angel/conscience to Joe and Jessica looked to be born for this role and what a voice – ‘NW5’ was amazing, and Jessica held the audience in the palm of her hand throughout.

In the absence of a father figure, Joe had to rely on the influence of Mom, Kath Casey played delightfully by Natalie Baggott. Natalie’s characterisation was perfect – her expressive performance fitted the character precisely no more so than during ‘Magistrates’ Court’ and ‘All I Wanted’.

Bad Joe’s nemesis is Reecey, trying to lead him into a life of crime and played with great maturity by Jessica Clews. It would be really easy to make this part into an over-the-top bully but Jessica uses guile and cunning to try and get her evil way, and it works beautifully. Jessica also gets to sing “Baggy Trousers’ and put it across brilliantly being accompanied by some very vocal and happy audience members joining in.

There are loads of opportunities for the company to play cameo roles which made it a true company show. Adrian Raybould as Mr Pressman  took advantage of his brief appearances looking as if he loved every second, especially during ‘House of Fun’.

All credit to Musical Director Chris Passey who not only led an amazing Orchestra but also managed to reproduce the Madness sound superbly, much to the delight of a very appreciative audience.

The Ska experience also had it’s own dance style and choreographer Zoe Russell was able to incorporate it cleverly into the numbers throughout the show with great effect.  The company has some very accomplished dancers and they were greatly in evidence throughout.

The to-ing and fro-ing between the Good and Bad parts of the story also had to be represented in the onstage settings involving very efficient scene changes under the direction of Stage Manager, Stewart Homer and Team Hazelwood. The show is very demanding technically and The Lighting Factory produced some great effects. Ian and Tish Davies and Daniel Woodhall from Black Country Audio had their work cut out with the demands of the music and songs being such an integral part of the show which they achieved expertly, especially when you are up against the demands of the variable acoustics at Brierley Hill Civic Hall.  Well done to all.

My thanks to everyone at Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Society for their warm welcome and their hospitality, it was lovely to see you all.

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