★★★★★ Eugenius –The Musical
The Other Palace until 3 March 2018
I am not usually that interested in superheroes but was strangely attracted to see Eugenius, a new musical by Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins, even having endured Bananaman – the less said about that, the better! I must say I think the marketing for this show has been particularly good and hats off to producer Warwick Davis whose enthusiasm for the piece has been particularly contagious.
Having seen a preview, I went back to see it again and must admit
it is a brilliant show and guaranteed to lift the spirits, even in the face of
the winds and snow from the Beast from the East!
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| Liam Forde as Eugene |
So, having established it’s about a superhero, here’s how the
Eugenius website describes the show, ‘this is a show where geeks rule, dreams
do come true, and everyone finds the superhero inside themselves – now they
know where to look. Honestly? You already need to see it again!’
So, see it again, I did, and was not disappointed! Far from it!
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| Daniel Buckley |
The show is firmly rooted in the 1980s, and apart from a very
upbeat and totally infectious score by Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins, I think the
strength of the piece is rooted in the brilliant book. It is hilarious with
lots of affectionate nods and references to so many different genres of films,
musicals and TV shows. There were definitely some smart laugh-out-loud moments.
The director, Ian Talbot, and choreographer, Aaron Renfree, have also crafted a
show with tremendous pace and energy which the super-talented ensemble embrace
with gusto, without which I do not think the show would succeed.
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| Laura Baldwin, Liam Forde and Daniel Buckley |
Clearly, the success depends on the excellent ensemble, but
there are standout performances from Liam Forde as Eugene, super geek and
ultimately superhero in waiting, his best friend, Feris, played by Daniel
Buckley and Scott Paige as Theo, a funny camp Mr Fix-it for a dodgy Hollywood
producer. Above all the show works so well because the entire ensemble work
with relentless energy throughout and entirely engage the audience. It becomes
virtually impossible not to be enveloped in their enthusiasm.
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| # Go Eugenius |
Sadly there are only a few performances left to catch the show
at the Other Palace, but I feel sure that Eugenius will have a long life - and
well-deserved too! #Go Eugenius!
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