NEXT DOOR'S BABY. To 8 March.
Richmond.
NEXT DOOR’S BABY
book by Bernie Gaughan music and lyrics by Matthew Strachan.
Orange Tree Theatre To 8 March 2008.
Mon-Sat 7.45pm Mat Sat 4pm & 21 Feb 2.30pm (+ post-show discussion).
Audio-described 16 Feb 4pm
Post-show discussion 29 Feb.
Runs 2hr 20min One interval.
TICKETS: 020 8940 3633.
www.orangetreetheatre.co.uk
Review: Timothy Ramsden 14 February.
A nice try, but hardly an Orange Tree highlight.
This musical, set in 1950s working-class Dublin, has only two limitations: the local newspaper’s beautiful baby competition which focuses rivalry between the O’Briens and their aspirant neighbours the Hennessys, plays little part in the action. And there’s absolutely no reason for the piece to be a musical.
It started as a radio-play, and Matthew Straughan’s songs for this version of his wife’s script are ones for which the term ‘adequate’ might have been created. Perhaps because it’s framed by a pie-making song, and comes alongside Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd, based on Stephen Sondheim’s score, the Sondheim influence in several songs is evident, though without the American’s distinctive quality (there’s a phrase resembling one from Sunday in the Park with George, doubtless unintentionally, in young Orla’s main number).
Many other songs, from the general pap of modern musicals, are predominantly slow-tempo, adding unhelpfully to the monotone of the characters’ lives and the production’s visual quality. Key moments that might have moved forward in song have no music, which tends to exist for solo reflections.
Near the opening, ‘Just Grand’ neatly displays the two family matriarchs at the post-box, hiding their baby-competition entries. It’s not a great song, but at least it links character and action. Louise Gold sings well but it’s in her acting of the determined, overbearing Mrs O’Brien that she’s supreme. The songs only get in the way of exploring further her embittered relationship with Orla.
The younger woman’s developing friendship with Miriam Hennessy is the other story strand; each has a secret to share. Riona O’Connor and Emily Sills give the young pair life as they grow into adulthood with mysteries, and miseries, behind them, while Stephen Carlile as the older brother being tied down to marriage, is fine in speech and song.
Overall, there’s plenty of Stage Oirish here to mix with the genuine-sounding stuff. For once, the little stage that has handled mighty casts seems crowded in Paul Prescott’s generally efficient production. But the main problem is a musical where the music keeps getting in the way of the story where the real interest lies.
Mrs O’Brien: Louise Gold.
Larry: Vincent Shiels.
Sheila: Clare Louise Connolly.
Dickie: Stephen Carlile.
Orla: Riona O’Connor.
Mrs Hennessy: Brenda Longman.
Miriam: Emily Sills.
Mr Hennessy/Uncle Willie: Robert Gill.
Dymphna: Elinor Lawless.
Conrad/Fr Frank: Peter Basham.
Director: Paul Prescott.
Designer: Sam Dowson.
Lighting: Stuart Burgess.
Musical Director: David Randall.
Assistant director: Katie Henry.
2008-02-16 10:59:55