The Star Child

Sixteen years ago Roger Gimblett and Nicholas Edwards first started composing and writing their adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s fable, but never got a chance to finish it, as both were on different sides of the planet.

As it happens this matches the gestation of the drama in The Star Child. A woodcutter discovers a baby in a forest which he believes has arrived from a star. 15 years later the boy is an impossibly vain teenager obsessed with his looks. When a beggar woman reveals herself as his mother he abruptly dismisses her because she is ‘too ugly’. He begins a long journey of redemption, which touches on some of Oscar Wilde’s favourite themes of beauty and vanity.

Staging a musical for the first time is a huge undertaking and it appeared that the Genesians under estimated the time needed to workshop and rehearse the production. Any rough edges will no doubt disappear as the season progresses.

There is much to enjoy in this charming little production.

Colourful costumes – especially the Yeoman Guards in front of the Tower of London and a strong five-piece band add to the entertainment for children and adults alike.

The Star Child is played by Ben Bennett. Fresh from making the final in the TV series The Voice he makes a credible transformation from a spoilt brat to earnest traveller seeking redemption.

Also charismatic were Martin Searles as the Woodcutter, Elizabeth MacGregor as The Beggar Woman and Robert Green as the Leper.

Giving it the flavour of an old English pantomime was Robert Wells as the Evil Magician.

From a solid start, the music and action gains pace with some bright tunes, leading to a spectacular ending.

With a few tweaks The Star Child has the potential to shine in many theatres.

David Spicer