I think the best way to put this into words would be a massive keysmash with excited bouncing in my chair. But that's not appropriate for a blog like this.
... What am I saying? Every review for something I love is essentially just a verbal keysmash.
Still...
Loserville is most definitely Grease for the modern era. Set in the 1970s, it tells the tale of Michael Dork, attempting to send the first Electronic communication. The battle for email supremacy is fought between him and his arch nemesis... Eddie Arch, son of the owner of Arch Systems. Throw in the Clever Girl, Holly, the Nerdy Writer, Lucas Lloyd (writing Galaxy Battle, and getting inspiration from the greatest of places) and so many more brilliant characters.
The music, though possibly not the most traditional in musical theatre, was penned mostly by James Bourne, of Busted and then Son Of Dork, who's debut album "Ticket Outta Loserville" gives the piece its name. It's very clear to those who either love/d Busted, or knew them well, who wrote the music, and you I would defy anyone who liked Year 3000 or Crashed the Wedding to dislike this soundtrack.
The script is witty, though with a heavy reliance on the traditional, stereotypical roles, and brings a cheeky guffaw from the audience from time to time. It also bears a significant weight upon references to Star Trek and these did get lost on some of the younger members of the audience. But if you got it, it was hilarious. Genuinely.
Aaron Sidwell as Michael Dork and Richard Lowe as Lucas Lloyd were, I think, the standouts. The music must take a heavy toll on their voices as the pieces are often sent in their direction, and they handle it not only remarkably, but stylishly, as well as acting the part brilliantly. Lowe, especially, makes an impact, going from evil to downright adorable in two seconds flat.
The set is clever and innovative in its own way, the locations drawn in doodles and presented as though the action's unfolding in a comic book, neatly reflective of the subject material.
I literally can't get enough of Loserville, and would quite happily camp out in the theatre if I had the money and the lack of social engagements. Loserville lets you escape into a world where you feel comfortable in your own discomfort and that is bloody brilliant, as far as I can see.
Runs through January 5th 2013
Closing too soon. Get in quick.
No comments:
Post a Comment