'Making Waves: A Song Cycle' - Musical Review
I was very fortunate to receive an invitation by The Hidden Theatre Company, to attend their production of 'Making Waves: A Song Cycle' written by Tom Brassington and Daniel Cartwright. The Hidden Theatre Company showcase original new work and 'Making Waves: A Song Cycle' was performed from 4th-7th August as part of the Camden Fringe Festival 2017. I attended the performance on Sunday 6 August at The Hen & Chickens Bar and Theatre, Islington London. I gave this production a four star.
Not used to such small venues, I was a little unsure what to expect and wondered how the staging and proximity of the audience to the actors would work. However, I must say that I found the venue ideal for this type of production and it created an intimate and immersive experience.
Rather than a play set to music, this production was sung entirely with an occasional brief monologue added to narrate certain parts of the show. It is most certainly a fresh comedy and a well devised piece of theatre based around the themes of everyday life and its trials and tribulations. It expresses the thoughts and feelings of the average person with regard to love, friendship and relationships. The songs are a mixture of comedic and serious, which takes the audience on a journey through a range of emotions. The show lasted an hour and was moderately fast paced but at times I personally struggled to keep up with the dynamic changes.
The company is made up of four males and four females. Michael Dahl Rasmussen, Jordan Scott-Turner, Taylor Rettke, Christopher Burgess, Drou Constantinou, Abby Restall, Emma Brown, Anna Kate Golding. The actors did not have character names but were referred to as Man and Woman. I found this choice clever as the audience could identify with the various characters within the story. I could certainly see myself reflected in one of them!
I found the bare minimalistic lighting and set a refreshing change from the larger scale West End and touring productions I am used to. It allowed me to relax into the show and focus on the actors and plot, rather than the distractions that come with the extensive shows. The space was used to its full advantage and the small theatre added to an immersive audience experience.
The show opened with the company number "Beyond the Hillside" in which the characters were introduced to the audience. This song had good relaxed harmonies, preparing the audience for the more emotional songs to come, and each song transitioned fluidly from one to the other.
I found the underlying comedy numbers more enjoyable to listen to, as I felt they we're more memorable and the comedy timing worked well with the stories narration. "Mirror-Mirror" performed by Anna-Kate Golding, initially imitated a fairytale princess lifestyle and then reverted back to reality with the character wanting to be loved by that perfect person, just like Prince Charming; "Gingers' Lament" was performed by Emma Brown, Anna-Kate Golding, Christopher Burgess and Taylor Rettke. It covered the topic of being ginger and highlighted the reputation and stigma ginger people face within society. Towards the end of this number the entire company joined in to create a homage to "One Day More" from 'Les Miserables'. Waving orange carrier bags and flags. This number had the audience members in fits of hysterics.
My particular favourite of the comedy numbers was "Friendzone" performed by Christopher Burgess and Michael Rasmussen. I found this number extremely humorous as it makes reference to a man wanting to be more than just a friend with the woman he likes. Both Michael and Christopher shared mutual chemistry with each other and the audience. Another song I particularly enjoyed was "I Can't Write Love Songs" which was also performed by Michael Rasmussen. It follows shortly after the song "Friendzone" and covers the topic of a man trying to make an impression in his attempt to win the heart of a woman by improvising a love song whilst playing the piano. The love song he wrote took lines from popular music love songs and artists. The man is unaware of the woman's disinterest in him, yet continues to declare his love through his 'corny song' as he is too blinded by his feelings and the song to notice her reaction. This song showcased Michael's pianist skills giving a strong performance. I admired the way he was not afraid to take risks and he connected naturally with the audience throughout the show.
I found the chemistry between Abby Reseal Restall and Taylor Rettke strong during their second song "Lost in You" and the eye contact was lovely to watch. The emotional numbers were well delivered such as "I've Been Meaning to Call" and "Cold Side of the Pillow", both performed by Jordan Scott-Turner. I could feel the emotion and the desperation to be with the love of his life. Following from this song Abby took the number "Fooling Myself with great conviction and commitment, tugging on the heart strings.
Finally the overall concept of the show became clear during the finale "Beyond the Hillside". The company are reunited within their relationship circles, coming together in unity. The show taught the audience that life is what you make it, everything happens for a reason and that everyone can be destined for greatness if we are creating legacies and relationships.
In summary, I found the production engaging, fresh, entertaining and it took me through a range of emotions. I will certainly be looking out for the company's further projects.
More details regarding The Hidden Theatre Company can be found on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HiddenTheatreCo/?fref=ts
Company's Twitter: @HiddenTheatreCo
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