Payback The Musical
Riverside Studios (studio 3)
Reviewed on Friday 14th June 2013
It is always exciting when you sit down in a theatre to see a brand new show as you simply do not have a clue what to expect. From beginning to end, Payback is a high energy musical with a strong score and a funny script.
Set in 2016, Payback feels incredibly fresh and relevant. Matthew White gives a strong performance as Matt Matthews (**cough cough** Jeremy Kyle) who is the host of a Jeremy Kyle-style television programme. As the show struggles in the ratings they track down a man from Rio (this is when it becomes a little bizarre) and fly him to the UK to try and reunite him with his father.
The storyline is very funny in places but also verges on stupid on a few occasions. Theatre-goers become the live studio audience and are instructed when to clap, go wild and boo - despite feeling a little bit like pantomime the audience loved it.
West End star Sarah Earnshaw gives the strongest performance as TV Producer Sam. She is the only cast member to give a detailed portrayal of her character, she has a twinkle in her eye throughout. She performed her solo number 'I'm in Love With My Polygraph' to perfection, seducing the audience with her astonishing vocal talents. A few cast members lack detail and sincerity in their performances.
While the score features a few weak numbers overall the music is good, my favourite number being the very catchy 'No Mercy' which I found myself humming the following morning. Although further development is needed, Paul Rayfield should be incredibly proud of himself for creating such a unique, funny and refreshing piece of theatre. I always love to see new writing so I would strongly advise that you take the risk and go and see something completely different.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
Payback: The Musical runs at Riverside Studios until 30th June 2013.
Please visit www.paybackthemusical.com for further information and tickets.
Click here to read our recent interview with Sarah Earnshaw.
Photo Credit: Phil O'Connor
Payback: The Musical runs at Riverside Studios until 30th June 2013.
Please visit www.paybackthemusical.com for further information and tickets.
Click here to read our recent interview with Sarah Earnshaw.
Photo Credit: Phil O'Connor
No comments:
Post a Comment