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Urinetown

Author: Tessa Davies

Information

Date
3rd December 2021
Society
Brentwood Musical Theatre Society
Venue
Brentwood Theatre
Type of Production
Musical
Director & Choreographer
Alister Smith
Musical Director
Ian Southgate
Co-Choreographer
Ellen Trim

Urinetown, now there’s a show title that stops you in your tracks.  Why on earth would anyone choose a title with such unsavoury connotations, you might ask.  Clearly chosen to shock and make us think about the context of the show, it did the job!

The show debuted at the New York Fringe Festival and then Off-Broadway in May/June 2001. The musical then opened on Broadway running for just over three years. It was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and won three.  Like many shows with a similar pedigree, it challenges perceptions and satirises several corporate, municipal and individual behaviours. 

One of the early lines in the show states that the company under the spotlight is called Urine Good Company (try saying that out loud and you will see why this show was entertaining despite its subject matter).   This was the start of a long list of wordplays contained in the script.  Director Allister Smith took full advantage of this, and the result was an entertaining evening.

The cast were, without exception, strong performers, the singing was exceptional, with some difficult harmonies and counterpoint singing.

Ben Martins (Officer Lockstock) introduced the show and, as the narrator, drew the whole thing together.  I have watched Ben’s performances over a number of years now and he is an impressive and talented performer.  As is Jamie Fudge, playing the show’s hero Bobby Strong, both have that special charisma that comes over well in the intimate setting of this theatre.  Martin Harris (Caldwell B Cladwell) was, ostensibly, the villain of the piece although, as the show played out, this became questionable.  Martin always gives a strong performance, and this was no exception.

Hannah Brent played the heroine, Hope Cladwell, and this was another terrific performance.  Hannah has a very expressive face, and the intimacy of the theatre gave us a great opportunity to observe this.  She spent a considerable part of the show sitting down wearing a gag, but she never stopped her characterisation which was, throughout, a joy to see. 

A special mention to Kerry Cooke (Miss Pennywise) due to a cast members illness, Kerry stepped into the part with just under three weeks to go and her performance was faultless. Given the amount of dialogue and harmony singing she had to do, this is a remarkable achievement.  To top that, she also took on another smaller character!

There were some excellent characterisations from the supporting performers too, Lou Byrne (Little Sally) whose character was used to ask some pertinent questions to keep the story on track, Andy Gillett (Senator Flip) Jon Keeler (Mr McQueen) Kate Smith (Mrs Millenium) Lauren Tidbury (Dr Billeaux) and Denis Courtney (Officer Barrel).  And, yes, I didn’t miss that the two policemen were called Lockstock and Barrel!  I would also like to mention two of the younger members of the cast who gave very strong performances, Unfortunately the programme did not identify the individuals with their photographs, so I hope I have got the right two girls!  Ella Markey (Little Becky Two Shoes) and Bryony Colton (Hot Blades Harri) have excellent stage presence and are very strong performers, I am sure we will see more of them in the future.

In truth, the entire company deserves praise for their performances, there wasn’t a weak one in the cast and the company continues to produce excellent entertainment.

The standing scenery was complex with many levels, making excellent use of the small performing space.  It never ceases to amaze me how different this theatre space can be made to look.  Costumes were totally suitable for the story, and I liked that the ‘rich’ people were identified by the use of red costumes or accessories.  A special compliment to Jan Elliott, I loved the red hats and, as a costume maker myself, I appreciate the work that went into the smallest touches.

There were a couple of minor sound glitches when the wrong mics seemed to be turned on and a couple of questionable lighting decisions, but that apart, the show went very smoothly.

This was a welcome evening’s entertainment after a long and tiresome absence from the theatre, we were welcomed by the front of house team and Maggie Kiel was an attentive host.  It was lovely for us to speak to the cast afterwards and share, with them, how much we had enjoyed the show.

My thanks to everyone.

Tessa Davies, Regional Councillor, NODA East

On behalf of Zahna Hull

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