Side Show

I had only vaguely heard of this show before LTC decided to produce it.  It was the inspiration for the film, The Greatest Showman which was produced by the same creative team.   It is odd how a show of this quality can completely bypass the producers of professional shows.   It certainly deserves a wider audience.  The music is outstanding and the story, based on real life people, has all the ingredients one could wish for in a production.

The two leading ladies, playing the Hilton Sisters (who were conjoined twins) produced superb performances, Eleanor Softly played Daisy and Ailish Murphy played Violet.  Whilst looking very alike, the show demanded that they be two very different characters (almost two sides of the same person) and these ladies definitely pulled this off. Their singing was terrific, doing full justice to the excellent score.    Their characterisation was excellent, we really felt the anguish and difficulties that they faced. 

Ian Benson played Impresario Terry Connor, his vocals were strong, and his character was as expected.  He was supported by Chris Higginson as Buddy, another good portrayal, very challenging but he rose to that challenge well.  One of the surprises of the show was newcomer Promise Moto who played Jake.  A superb performer, always in character and with a singing voice that hits the spot ever time.  Although I would have liked it even more if he had faced the audience instead of facing sideways or, on occasions to the back!   John Blatchford played Sir, a difficult character, tyrannical and controlling.  With very little to recommend the character, being the baddie is often quite a tricky balance and I think John could have been much meaner!

The group of freaks, and other main characters were all very good, they had all, clearly, studied their particular character and, where they played 2 (or even more!) there were clear differences that made the story work well.  There were some nice touches in characterisation, for example, when Alice Hunt-Coldham (Venus De Milo) clapped with her feet it was a nicely considered touch.

The ensemble all worked hard, playing a variety of supporting characters and the company’s singing was of a very high standard.  Credit to MD Clare Penfold for getting the company’s harmonies working so well.

The costumes were beautiful, I particularly liked the twin’s costumes all, obviously, made specially and perfectly in period.  I cannot fault the ‘look’ of the show, the scenery was outstanding, especially as I know it was all created in house.  I also know that there were some last minute problems with the supply of some of the prosthetics, however the audience would never have known as they all worked beautifully.  Well done to those members who were involved in the last minute efforts to get these done, they were very effective.

This must have been a complex show to direct, but Sarah Pettican was clearly up to the task, the show flowed well and the audience were very appreciative of the whole production.  I did find the second half less compelling, than the first, but this is in the writing and not down to the performance.

I was not sure what to expect from this show, although I knew that LTC would work hard to do it justice and they did that and more.  A most enjoyable evening.

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