URINETOWN

Festival Players and Director Justin Murray rose with aplomb to the challenges of this quirky musical.   Whilst the title may appear off-putting the clever script and lively score more than makes up for it.  The show satirises capitalism, social irresponsibility, corporate mismanagement, and politics.  It is “lyric-led” and you need to hear the lyrics to not only follow the story but also to appreciate their humour.  

There was definitely much to be admired in this production.  The set was excellent with three scenes on a revolve;  the “facilities”; town and the offices of the Urine Good Company (or UGC).  Congratulations to the cast members who operated the revolve especially during “Why Did I Listen To That Man” which used all three settings.  This required excellent and well timed manipulation and was pretty impressive.  Costumes by Liz Milway reflected the required atmosphere of the show, so necessary with this piece.  Technically, the lighting design (Luke Marino) was good as was the sound (Nick Hall and Charlie Jonas) although sound levels were overly loud in places.  Radio mics which often cause problems were expertly controlled.  

The company kept the pace up and the energy levels high. The whole cast was enthusiastic and confident and they managed to capture the atmosphere of the ups and downs of life in their town. Joint Choreographers Helen Garner and Emily Garner produced slick, polished and imaginative routines.  Musical Director James Harvey, expertly leading the partly visible 5-piece band, ensured they and the cast dealt with a difficult and different score extremely well.  Lead vocals were excellent throughout as were the Ensemble musical numbers with some outstanding harmonies.

There were very strong performances from the principal characters. The show opened with a grim welcome from Matt Wilkinson as the intimidating Officer Lockstock, who produced a bold and powerful (both acting and singing) link man with great comic timing.  Dogging his heels with constant pertinent questions, thus helping the story along, was Catriona Clarke who, as Little Sally,  epitomised a small inquisitive girl.  This was a fine performance. She has a great voice and a good feel for her character working well with Lockstock.

Matt Lampitt as Bobby Strong a worker in the municipal urinal and later the ‘love interest’ showed his versatility and empathy as the hero of the piece with style and excellent vocal range. His boss Penelope Pennywise played with personality, style and amazingly powerful vocals by Holly Dawson, strutted around the playing area with confidence. Two excellent and enjoyable performances.

On the ‘management’ team was a so-called pillar of society Caldwell B Cladwell. played in another strong performance by Jonatan Rosten who, together with his cringing assistant McQueen (Lake Falconer) and the corrupt Senator Fipp (Sarah Black) wanted to defeat the ‘people’ in their demands for a ‘free pee’. Between the two camps (and the love interest) is Hope Cladwell, played by Eleanor Thompson who looked completely at ease in her role.  The duet “ Follow Your Heart” by Hope and Bobby was super.  A lovely performance.

There were strong supporting performances too from Grant O’Brien (Officer Barrel) DeeDee Doke (Josephine Strong) and Jon Armstrong (Hot Blades Harry). In fact all those in named roles had differing character traits and each had their moments in the score and limelight: there were some really good cameos from this cast. 

Urinetown has been called an ‘anti-musical’ with a non-pleasant theme, but Director Justin Murray and his cast gave the show life and energy creating an atmosphere that was impressive both in its talent and presentation.  Congratulations Festival Players and all involved in this splendid production.

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