Tick, Tick...Boom!

My visit to Manchester Student Union to watch Tick Tick Boom! took place on Thursday, 20th March. I was very excited to see this production, as it is one of my many firm favourites. Once again, I was warmly welcomed by the friendly front-of-house staff, who guided us to our seats. The venue, being a multipurpose theatre, made it particularly interesting to see how the production team had adapted the space. A raised platform was set up with a live band positioned on either side of two doors and a central entrance.

For those unfamiliar with Tick Tick Boom!, it is a semi-autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the creator of Rent. The story follows an aspiring composer living in 1990s New York, grappling with self-doubt, career pressures, and the relentless ticking of the clock as he approaches 30. Throughout the narrative, the musical explores themes of passion, perseverance, and the sacrifices artists make in pursuit of their dreams. It masterfully blends light-hearted moments with poignant themes that resonate deeply with audiences.

From the opening of the musical to the final moments, the entire cast exuded energy, dedication, and commitment. Each character made effective use of the space, showcasing direction and choreography that were clearly well thought out. A special mention goes to co-directors Rishit Goswami and Sharvi Rana for their excellent leadership in ensuring each piece of dialogue and every musical number was fully realised. I particularly enjoyed the creative and gestural movement ideas in the choreography, which perfectly complemented the musical numbers' intentions—all thanks to co-choreographers Josselin Ball and Charlotte Leggetter. It was evident that the production team worked wholeheartedly with a unified vision, as the strength of the cast and performances shone through.

Jonathan Larson was portrayed by Charles Gibbs, whose performance fully captured the character's commitment to his dreams and ambitions. Charles skilfully conveyed resilience, creativity, self-doubt, and vulnerability through his mannerisms, delivery of dialogue, gestures, facial expressions, and tone. His ability to adapt and interact with other characters was remarkable. Charles truly took the lead with his commanding stage presence, taking the audience on an emotional journey. His vocals throughout were consistently strong, demonstrating effective pacing, control, and projection.

Alongside Larson’s journey, we meet Michael, his best friend, played by Adam Fox. Adam delivered a strong and convincing performance, portraying the contrasting career path of a man who opts for financial stability over creative aspirations. His suited costume complemented his job, while his slightly unkempt appearance subtly hinted at his dissatisfaction with his current role. Adam gave a particularly moving performance during the emotional revelation of Michael’s HIV-positive status. The interactions between Charles and Adam felt authentic, reflecting the essence of a genuine friendship as both characters faced their respective life struggles.

Susan, Larson’s girlfriend, was played by Alexia Mourao. Susan, a dancer dreaming of a more stable life, brought palpable tension to the stage as she struggled with Larson’s relentless focus on his career. Alexia’s performance was passionate and convincing. Her ability to adjust the tone of her dialogue delivery and her proxemics with Larson’s character added depth to the emotional dynamics between them.

The ensemble deserves high praise for their preparation and performance. Their expressive, energetic, and enthusiastic portrayals were absolutely stunning. The ensemble included Zita Cheung, Michael Bryceson, Olivia Young, Eve Flaxman, and Miya Atherton-Patel.

The live band was integral to the production and complemented the musical beautifully. Given the compact space of the venue, one might expect the band to overpower the performers, but this was not the case. The sound balance was perfect, and the band’s performance was polished and well-rehearsed. Musical Director Eliza Dawson deserves recognition for her artistic leadership in bringing the music to life.

In summary, this was a polished and well-executed production. Each and every one of you should be incredibly proud of this achievement. Congratulations, and I look forward to seeing more from you in the future.

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