Godspell – Ye Old Rose and Crowne Theatre – 28th September 2021
Calling all StageSider’s, welcome back to another review. This time, I am reviewing Godspell, created by the Cr8tract theatre company. I am writing this in a hotel I found last minute (published after a LONG bus ride home) so I could come to my first in person London based press night. Was it worth it? Yes!
Godspell is a musical composed by Stephen Schwartz, with a book by John-Michael Tebelak. The musical looks at the life of Jesus, primarily from the gospel of Matthew. This show contains a series of parables, told to a group of people who may have lost their way. Featuring songs such as Day by Day, which reached number 13 in the charts in 1972, Learn your Lessons well, and Prepare Ye.
And Prepare Ye, indeed. This performance was not a joke. With a quirky ticketing system, consisting of colour coded glow stick wristbands, the vibe was set. Being welcomed into the ‘community’ and invited into the intimate space, I was ready to hear that trumpet. Part bohemian convention, part indie gig theatre, this cast and crew knew what they wanted and got it. Performed in an intimate space above a pub, this production of Godspell didn’t need the spectacle and space of a West End theatre to feel fabulous. The amazing soundtrack is brought to life by the amazing cast.
The cast!
Alex White, Josh Hanley Eleanor Walsh, Martine J. Berg, Reece McKenzie, Kim Ensor, Daniel Noah, Joe Churms, Laura Hyde and Naomi Cowe were just brilliant. Featuring solos and great choral moments, this cast is full of talent. The classic’s such as Day by Day and Prepare Ye were classically brilliant. By My Side was touching and Turn Back Oh Man was modernised and still… classic. This company did a brilliant job at reviving a classic musical and yet keeping it heavily rooted in its history. The band was on show, and they were GOOD! No hidden effects, no secrets and a whole host of technical, musical and performative skills.
The seeds that fell on the rocky path.
The following is meant with nothing but love, because this really was an amazing show with an amazing cast. Their message was clear, their ideas were well presented and it was a good night. Something was a bit off though. The rather archaic message of the piece, alongside the ironic performance venue (of a pub) and claustraphobic setting made for some awkward moments. This is a personal issue and may not be reflected by everyone, but sometimes I felt a bit confronted. Prolonged eye contact while an individual claps a meter from my face, or kicks their legs near me, felt rather uncomfortable.
Now I know I said they don’t need the space to be fabulous, and they dont, but a little room to feel comfortable would be a huge bonus. This could come from a bigger venue and more distant choreography. The performers were all awsome, just that extra room would have made me more comfortable.
Interaction was encouraged, but it was done so in character, which confused me and left me unsure. Do I clap, click and cheer or not? This is a point I find with many intimate shows, to join in or not to join in, that is the question.
Cr8tract theatre company and Godspell.
Now, I know what the group stands for, and they have revived a somewhat aged script and brought it to somewhere near modern day. There just seemed to be something off. I personally felt overwhelmed and a bit intimidated by the intimacy of the piece. Kept at arms length, but welcomed into a community, I felt distanced and yet included.
But does this mean the show was bad, not at all and I still think it was a brilliant portrayal of a classic musical. The comedy was golden, the emotions were convincing and the music was … well musical. The team has clearly worked hard on the piece and were proud of it, which they should be! This is a brilliant presentation of a brilliant musical. This show is one to see and shouldn’t be missed. With tickets available until the 10th of October, make sure you get to see this classic story performed by some talented individuals!
The rating!
I give this performance four stars out of five. This piece was musically brilliant, full of character and individuality and a blast from the past. However, the awkward nature of the venue and performance space left me looking around the room and feeling confronted. Do I think this is a huge issue? Not at all. Did this make me feel uncomfortable, yes, slightly. Do I think this should stop you seeing the show? NO! I would encourage everyone to see this show. A great evening of entertainment, a classic story and a talented cast. Godspell is back, and it is hopefully here to stay!
I think it’s important to note, this is an intimate performance space so there is a lack of opportunity to be distanced from those who choose not to wear masks. I was one of maybe 5 mask wearers in the space. But this is not going to be reflected in the rating, as this is personal choice and something that is not to be critiqued. This is outside the performers responsibility, and just an observation.
Have your say!
So, have you seen Godspell? What did you think? Are you shouting about it, or are you turning and offering the other cheek? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
As always, please be respectful of each other’s opinions and be kind to each other. I completely respect and value everyone that worked on this show . We need to remember that these are people with feelings. Let’s treat them with respect. Bullying will not be tolerated and harmful language will be removed.
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