Fangirls

My first reaction after leaving the theatre was that I must buy tickets for my 15 year old daughter (which I did this morning). One of the most striking aspects is the authenticity of the writing and how Yve Blake nails on the head the heady experiences of teenage girls and their passion, energy and search for love. Sitting next to me was the mother of a recent teenager, squealing with recognition. OMG!

During one scene, which replicated the experience of being at a boy band pop concert, daggy parents (like myself) struggled to find the torch app on our phones. Thankfully help was at hand and Belvoir was lit up by waves of throbbing glows.

Jaws dropped at the talent of Yve Blake. What, she wrote the music, book and lyrics – and is also the star, asked startled opening night guests in the foyer. Yes, and she is only 26. So let’s celebrate the arrival of a phenomenal talent.

The musical opens with our heroine Edna fantasising about her boyband crush Harry. The teenager has a talent for creative writing and creates vivid pulp fiction like scenarios for the two.

Into her bedroom marches her mother Caroline – played gorgeously by Sharon Millerchip – demanding that she do her homework. Edna hilariously takes on the air of mock indignation asking her mother not upset her concentration.

The action switches to the school playground where Edna’s equally charismatic buddies also express their love for Harry. News breaks that he is going to tour to Australia, prompting a scramble for tickets.

In the second act the drama goes on a white knuckle rollercoaster ride.

The role of popstar Harry is played by an actual 18 year old who has cut his teeth in reality television. Aydan looked every bit the part of boyband eye candy.

The entire production is wrapped in a dazzling light extravaganza. Images swirl around the screens, seamlessly blended with slick choreography and toe tapping melodies.

This completely original Australian musical is headed for global conquest with a TV adaptation already signed up in the United Kingdom.

Scramble for a ticket!

David Spicer

Photographer: Brett Boardman