TADLOP Presents
Our House, The Madness Musical
Thursday 2nd – Saturday 4th May
Walker Theatre
The Walker was utterly thronged tonight with a highly partisan crowd of Mums and Dads, Brothers and Sisters, friends and family as Tadlop took to the boards with the musical, Our House. Based on a story of a London lad who becomes 16 and learns foolish actions have harsh consequences. The show then interlaced with songs and lyrics from the two-tone nutty boys themselves, Madness. Written by Tim Firth, one wonders where he was letting his wandering pen take us and we would follow some conceivable ideas and some not. One hopes he doesn’t return with a sequel.
The writer let the show down somewhat, but that’s not the fault of this talented bunch of amateur performers who committed to everything their parts called for and beyond. One found the narrative to follow confusing sometimes as the long dance sequences detracted rather than added to the plot. But it was worth it, the singing was mostly very good, some of these youngsters may one day blaze a trail for the new pop scene facing all the screaming teenagers. Who knows? It happens.
There are too many cast to single out, I counted 25 on the stage at one time, however needless to say, they were great at singing and dancing and igniting the stage with a young and powerful energy that when harnessed can mark the difference between good theatre and bad theatre.
This reviewer will say that the dancing was superb, the choreography clever and tight, the singing was good, as was the characterisations. One would be inclined to ask some to stop flaring up to top level anger from a relatively peaceful stance, there are stages and these need observing. Too many times encounters finished with a shrill shout, and it was harsh on the audiences’ ears. However, the harmonies together when the entire choir were on stage was quite something.
I might ask the director why they are using such a small amount of the space; the back flats are too far downstage, and it pinches whatever space the actors have. Two feet further upstage would make quite a difference. Things would look less cluttered.
Obviously, one was aware there were sound issues and mic failed and a lot of dialogue was lost. That is easily remedied and it’s a tough job. Sound and lights are undoubtedly on the right track. Overall the techies did well.
Well done all of you you give everything and your level of commitment is deeply impressive. This reviewer looks forward to seeing Tadlop back with another production soon. Well done Guys .
This is Three Star Review.
Sofia Lewis
Sofia is a successful playwright living in Shrewsbury. After graduating from Wolverhampton University in theatre. Sofia went on to become an actor and film maker. Her first play was published in 2015 and her plays have been seen all around the world. She is also the instigator of the popular concerts, The Sound Of Shrewsbury Folk. She has been writing with loveshrewsbury for 13 years and loves Theatre Severn and all she sees there.
Recent Post
