Review: Drunk at the Bridewell Theatre

Drunk
Bridewell Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 7th February 2014

Following its world premiere at the Leicester Curve, Drew McOnie has brought the McOnie Company's inaugural production, Drunk, to the Bridewell Theatre for a four week London season. Described as a 'wickedly delicious cocktail of theatre and dance', Drunk is a theatre-dance revue with music by One Man, Two Guvnors composer Grant Olding.

Gemma Sutton

Featuring a cast of eight musical theatre stars representing various alcoholic drinks, Drunk is a neatly put-together show and fits perfectly in the Bridewell Theatre. The performance space may be small, but I wouldn't describe it as overly intimate as there is a warehouse-like atmosphere.

Drew McOnie's choreography is out of this world, there is not one moment of laziness - I have never seen anything like it. So many risks have been taken, all of which pay off. The dancers are sublime and perform with such individuality. Drunk isn't about a cast of eight performing in perfect sync, it's all about expression and character.

The on-stage band, who also perform before and after the ninety minute show, are a dream and the simplistic design is very atmospheric. Grant Olding's music captures the mood perfectly. 

Gemma Sutton leads the cast, performing the majority of the musical numbers. At times she sounds like a timeless musical theatre star but she also has a more modern, effortless tone to her voice. Two songs particularly stood out - one in the middle and one at the end - which I need on my iPod immediately. 

I found Drunk fully engaging from beginning to end as McOnie's choreography is so spectacular, not because the storyline of the piece is so gripping. Whilst Drunk is an incredible production there is certainly room for improvement. It is unbelievable that Drunk marks the first production from the McOnie Company who have set the standard ridiculously high. Who knows what they will achieve in the future? Some might say "The sky's the limit" but as far as Drew McOnie is concerned there are no limits or boundaries. Watch out world!

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

Click here to read West End Frame's interview with Drew McOnie.

Drunk runs at the Bridewell Theatre until Saturday 1st March 2014.
Please visit www.themconiecompany.com for further information and tickets.

Photo Credit: Marc Hankins

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