★★★★✫
Like many people we are constantly guilty of seeing what we already know we already like. That is to say we revisit shows we have seen before and even the new shows we have scheduled for this year are based on an already successful IP (The Greatest Showman, Bank Of Dave, Pride) but every now and again you have to take a leap into the unknown and get to see a show whose journey is just starting, trying to find a niche for itself in the overcrowded market place that is live theatre. So here we are in Leicester checking out Public The Musical written by Hannah Sands, Olivia Zacharia and twins Kyla and Natalie Stroud (daughters of Eurovision winner and Bucks Fizz pop legend Cheryl Baker no less!)
The premise of the show is that four complete strangers get themselves trapped in an underground gender neutral public toilet, with no mobile phone signal and all at crossroads in their lives. They face the prospect of spending the night together in this most inconvenient of conveniences, as they wait for the toilets to be unlocked come morning. In this motley collection of misfits, we have Laura who is on the way to a wedding although she is not disclosing just what an important part she will be playing in the proceedings. Then there is Finley, a worker at the Hot Slice Pizza House and whose problems with anxiety threaten to overwhelm him. By contrast, Andrew is the successful city banker, the alpha male who lacks the sensitivity to be aware of others needs. And finally Zo, the woke of woke-est activists and social media guru, getting by on the bank of Mum and Dad, and always making sure the opinions of others go challenged. They rub along uneasily together until Zo hands out her special 'gummies'...
On paper it is perhaps something of a bizarre idea, but this is the magic of theatre. From an acorn of an idea, wonderful things happen. And so it is with Public The Musical. We are drawn into the stories of Laura, Fin, Andrew and Zo and find out what makes them tick. The demons they are battling and the dreams they all carry.
Each of the actors inhabits their characters with great sensitivity. Grace Towning is terrific at annoying us all as the opinionated Zo, finding the self-centered obsessive behind her 'save the planet' exterior. Ivano Turco is developing as an actor with every role he plays, having seen him triumph in Cinderella and Everybody's Talking About Jamie, its lovely to see him establish himself further in this more intimate piece. He is at his best when he is dealing with the crippling anxiety that Fin battles, and like all four displays a fine voice. Matt Corner, all clad in cycling lycra, is the straight forward voice of our capitalist society frustratingly trying to navigate correct pronouns. He is climbing the banking ladder and is all about practicality and profit. But Corner equally finds the chink in Andrew's armour eventually, when his background comes to the fore. And then there is Cole Dennis, a lovely passive performance as the people pleasing Laura, very much doubting her future. Slowly this disparate band of toilet dwellers start to open up to each other about their fears and hopes, and this is the beating heart of this 90 minute lock in.
There are some impressive solos and group harmonies on display in the rock and pop score. The songs themselves are all well written and possess nice melodies, although perhaps the piece does at the moment lack that one defining song to take home with us. It is still a piece looking for its 'Seasons Of Love' moment.
Amy Jane Cook has devised both costumes and the impressive versatile set. Yes just three toilet cubicles and sinks at first sight, but she ensures that the grotty underground convenience comes to life with some clever movement and lighting choices. Director / author Hannah Sands direction makes sure the piece keeps up the energy despite its protagonists effectively being trapped in a confined space. Drawing out the best in the performers and in storytelling theatre.
Whilst perhaps not 100% there just yet, Public The Musical is an impressive piece of theatre, which was received very warmly by the Leicester crowd. The four actors earning a well deserved standing ovation at the end. Hope then for the future of musical theatre beyond the movies-to-musicals rut the genre now finds itself in.
We loved it, and looked forward to seeing it blossom in the future. The title is perhaps not that inviting but Four Strangers Get Trapped In A Toilet is perhaps rather more problematic.Whatever it calls itself, just go.
Rob & Ian
Further information on the show can be found at the PUBLIC MUSICAL WEBSITE.
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