Billed as the ‘Worst.Date.Ever.’, this new musical revolves around the story of a girl on a first date who rescues her unflushable poo after she unsuccessfully flings it out of the window. The writers, James Cooper and Bryn Christopher, developed the idea from a viral meme about a hashtag #poogirl.
The central idea is that we are all trapped into portraying ourselves as we think we should be, as told by insidious social media content, rather than how we really are. Behind this bliss-making song and dance musical is a heart-warming love story. But we may never forget witnessing a lead actor on stage singing to a turd: ‘You are the bad part of me that he can never see.’
Lucy is a 30-something nurse with a history of bad dates introduced via an app. She says she has been ‘ghosted so many times I think my phone must be haunted.’ Peter’s main characteristic is pleasure in dressing up as a Tolkien-type elf in Live Action Role Play. Both of them are seeking love, but are ill-advised by their respective gatekeepers. David tells Peter not to show anything of himself, to follow the motto: “Thick Skin Big Grin”. Cassandra, the manipulative imaginary social influencer, tells Lucy to be ‘basically basic’ with all quirks ironed out in a world of pink – and definitely no opinions.
The action is set in Luton, a deliberately unlikely place for romance, with a very British vibe of failed plumbing, scarce housing, social embarrassment and visual plums such as the dancing estate agent. However, this is a more subtle script than the reliance on toilet humour for the big laughs gives it credit for. Peter’s obsession with playing an ‘elf’ mirrors Cassandra and David’s insistence on playing a role in dating, and not being authentic at any cost. When Lucy climbs through the window she is literally trapped half way between her role playing and her real self.
Unfortunately for her, the actor down to play Lucy, Jessica Boshier, damaged her foot in an accident in rehearsals (she came on stage at the bows). This was good luck for her understudy Ambra Caserotti, but if we hadn’t been told she was a substitute, we wouldn’t have known. With a belting voice and an impressive stage presence, she looks as if the role was written for her. Her personality lights up our hearts as she carries the play with exuberance, adding the right touch of vulnerability. Shane O’Riordan is perfect as the equally nerdy Peter, a character uncomfortable in his own skin. His strong voice is a perfect match and the harmonies of the duets are delicious.
No lesser admiration must be given to the ensemble cast who played different roles. Marcus Ayton as Lucy’s gay friend Reece camps it up to the hilt. Apart from the poo scene (you must go and see it!), a parody of CATS is memorable with the purring Bridgette Amofah as a sexy cat (unlike Lucy), also flawless as the critical influencer who continually crushes Lucy’s confidence.
Points go to Tom Rogers (set and costume designer) and Adam King (lighting designer) for their colourful set full of purples and yellows lighting window frames and cutesy pink outfits. Windows and mirrors reflect on our heroes and us, about who we are and how we frame ourselves to the outside world. A creative arrangement achieves the feat of allowing Lucy to be suspended in a window above the stage and still sing her numbers.
The director has done a fine job of creating a heartfelt, yet rip-roaring comedy. With rousing numbers like Everybody’s Got Their Shit, this is a musical which really delivers its promise. Don’t Miss!
Book & Lyrics: James Cooper
Music & Lyrics: Bryn Christopher
Cast: Ambra Caserotti, Shane O’Riordan, Marcus Ayton, Johan Munir, Bridgette Amofah
Director: Jamie Morton
Running Time: 2 hours 20mins (incl. 20 min interval)
Runs until Saturday 12 July