Reviews

Eddie Perfect is responsible for the music book and lyrics for Shane Warne- The Musical. The music is delightful, eclectic and wonderfully scored. The most satisfying aspect of the  April 22nd opening at the Wrest Point Entertainment Centre was the on stage band under the direction of Andrew Morrisby, who directed from the keyboard. The show is very well orchestrated with winds and strings. The musical ensemble was tight, well balanced and of the highest standard.

As the lights rise to a coughing mother, she reaches for a cigarette and lights up – a roar of laughter from the audience helps to set the scene for a dark comedy, set in a different time. It’s twenty years ago, shortly after the ‘dot com’ bust and Lynette Saxon (Shelley Hampton) has gone from running offices to cleaning them, trying to keep her daughter and herself in their London Docklands apartment.

An ensemble production takes on a whole new meaning when it involves thirteen teenagers from different suburbs and different schools rehearsing after school and in school holidays. It requires a ‘duty of care’ and understanding far beyond that of ordinary directorial responsibilities. And it demands a discerning choice of material, meticulous organisation and thoughtful preparation.

The Gospel According to Paul, written and performed by Jonathan Biggins and directed by Aarne Neeme, is, as the publicity blurb states, ‘Politics as Performance – The Art of Political Satire’ and it is a truly deliciously wickedly funny and often poignant night in the theatre.