Reviewer: Christine Stanton
Writers/Directors: Jasper Robin and Jonathan Powell
Composer: Lily Blundell
“Madcap Musical”
3 / 5
Lotus Land – the UK’s biggest tourist attraction, a huge economy booster and a magical place to spend the day. Park visitors are more than happy to purchase the overpriced cuddly toys, and get their adrenaline pumping on the roller coasters, but what they don’t realise is something sinister is under the surface of Lotus Land that is threatening to take over the world. Alien invaders have been in control for years – and they’re ready to attack!
This madcap musical is performed by a team of six cast members playing a variety of roles, alongside composer & musical director Lily Blundell who brilliantly plays the live score during the show. The narrative is centred around Johnny Fox (Jamie Ellis) and his step-father Brian (Nathan Galpin), both working together at the park after the death of Johnny’s mother. They strive to have a better relationship with each other, and although they miss her terribly, they find solace knowing they work at the place she loved when she was alive. Grumpy boss Hackett (Kate South) is always on their backs about something, so when new hire Sola (Freya Cowan) starts raising suspicions about what’s really going on at the park, it’s up to the four of them to try and save the world.
It’s a busy storyline filled with potential, but it could do with some tightening up to allow the unique plot to fully develop. A lot of the humour is repetitive, pantomime style slapstick, which is disappointing because the few moments of wit work so much better in conveying the comedic elements of the show. Some scenes are overacted, outdated and cringeworthy, such as the American tourists (Iona Miller and Gregory Miller) which feel more aligned to a show from 20 years ago rather than a fresh piece of writing. Miller is much more natural and comedic in his role as the prime minister’s aide and as ‘head in a box’ Jack. In addition, Galpin and South have fantastic on-stage presence, believable within their characters and great with their comic timing.
The musical numbers are impressively performed and really elevate the show, making up for areas where it lacks. ‘Palming Off The Problem’ and ‘More Of The Same’ are two songs in particular that really entertained the audience, with the cast perfectly synchronised in their routines, Ellis and Cowan especially vocally strong. Another method that really works in the show is the use of projected videos on screen between scenes – often to provide character background context, which helps to add more depth to the narrative.
This is a show that has the potential to be out of this world, but needs a few adjustments to help it find the space it needs to grow. This hard-working cast will no doubt rocket to success in the future.
Runs until 3rd August 2023
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