Our House

Our House is a fast paced dynamic jukebox musical first performed at The Cambridge Theatre London in 2002, the show features songs from the back catalogue of the English ska band Madness. and the show takes its name from one of their popular hit singles, "Our House", the story is from a book by playwright Tim Firth, it also includes the song . It Must Be Love" which was written and originally recorded in 1971 by Labi Siffre. it was then recorded by Madness in 1981.
The show is basically a morality and integrity tale which follows the life of Joe Casey who grows up in a house on Casey Street, on an estate in Camden London, which was originally built by his grandfather. Joe’s dad who was a career criminal has died so he has been brought up by his mum, Kath and unfortunately, things have not been easy since. He is popular at school and has a girlfriend called Sarah, but when undertaking a house break-in while trying to impress Sarah, Joe finds he has to make an important decision between either giving himself up to the police, or making a run for it. Both of these choices are then explored alongside each other in parallel storylines. Both stories look at family values, growing up, love, making decisions and the consequences of those decisions on life and how those decisions affect those around you.

Bob Halliday was nothing but superb owning the stage in the very demanding energetic double role of Joe, he was very well complemented and supported by the talented Amy Hardcastle who has a great singing voice as Joe’s love interest Sarah. We also saw an understated and sympathetic performance from Steve Unsworth as Joe’s dad who was constantly warning him in both stories against repeating his own mistakes, Steve also has a nice worm tone to his singing voice and Joanne Cunliffe was very caring and believable as Joe’s mum Kath. There are four of Joe and Sarah’s friends in both storylines namely Emmo & Lewis (Alex Hardman and Matthew Rimmer), and Billie & Angie (Gemma Nightingale and Natalie Aspinall), who were played very well with some nice comedy moments. There are also two roles important to the plot which come in the form of two rogues, an opportunist criminal Reecey (Ryan Norse) and Mr Pressman (Alan Malin), the dubious property developer, who were both very secure in these supporting roles. There was also a cameo appearance by Robert Walsh as Callum, Sarah’s new boyfriend. Diction, projection and clarity of words was very good although the dual storyline was rather confusing at first but things did become clear as the show progressed.

The chorus brought to the production enthusiasm, energy and joyfulness performing with confidence, supporting the principle cast excellently and executing the exciting choreography by Rebecca Dickinson perfectly. The orchestra led by Musical Director Paul Carr played and supported the cast securely and expertly at just the right level

The set and props were as usual just right for the production and scenery was moved around the stage efficiently. There was excellent technical input which included sound, lighting and the number "Driving in My Car” which used film on a back screen and a car which was an enjoyable visual experience. Costumes were just right adding to the atmosphere of the production and the characters involved in the story, well done to Stage Manager Mike Taylor and all the backstage crew.

Congratulations must go to Directors Mark Jones and Paul Carr for a slick, fast-moving, very energetic production, from the beginning of the show to the end. Well done to all those involved in bringing this show to the stage and thank you for inviting us.

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