(Immersion Theatre Company & Damien Tracey Productions)
It’s total Madness at Malvern Festival Theatre all this week
with the Olivier Award winning musical, Our House. Written by Tim Firth, the
genius behind Calendar Girls and Kinky Boots, it tells the story of local lad,
Joe Casey, who gets into trouble on the night of his 16th birthday,
while trying to impress his girlfriend, Sarah. In a ‘Sliding Doors’ moment, Joe
has to decide whether to run from the police or give himself up. Both outcomes
are then played out, simultaneously, to discover the impact of his decision and
where each road will eventually lead.
Jason Kajdi is superb as Joe Casey. His task is immense in
this show, constantly switching between the two Joes, in the parallel lives.
Sophie Matthew is captivating as the girlfriend, Sarah, making the part refreshingly
engaging. Billy Roberts and Will Haswell are the perfect double act as Joe’s
best mates, Emmo and Lewis, while Jessica Niles and Etisyai Philip are electric
as Sarah’s sassy, opinionated friends. Emmerdale’s Deena Payne, is lovely as
Joe’s mum and Britain’s Got Talent winner, George Sampson, is enjoyable as bad
boy, Reecey. In the role of Joe’s dad is Callum McArdle, who has the most
wonderful voice, ideal for the Madness melodies. Bobby Windebank is great as the egocentric Mr Pressman, as too is Matthew McDonald as Sarah's love interest, Callum.
The ensemble is magnificent in this production. Their energy
and enthusiasm is contagious and when the cast are performing Fabian Aloise’s
absolutely stunning choreography, the result is truly awesome. Baggy Trousers
is phenomenal and Wings Of A Dove simply divine, beautifully accompanied by
Dustin Conrad and his band.
This is a real feel good musical with a brilliant score that
will reignite your love for the greatness that is Madness. It runs at Malvern until Saturday, before continuing on tour. go and see it!
5 stars
