⭐⭐⭐ and a half stars
I have to say that I was uncertain about accepting the invitation to this new musical, and apprehensive of my reaction to the subject matter. Fly More Than You Fall tells the story of 15 year old Malia having to deal with her mother's terminal cancer diagnosis, and her mother's eventual death over the course of a summer. It didn't sound the jolliest of musical subjects, and my own mother died of cancer, albeit I was a lot older than Malia when it happened.
The musical is on at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant, a relatively new venue, and not to be mistaken for the original which is now badged as Southwark Playhouse Borough. It's a similar space, small and intimate and the perfect place to try out new shows.
Covered in pastel coloured pieces of paper stuck to the set to resemble wings, the set was only adorned with the family photo of Jennifer (mum), Paul (dad) and Malia (heroine and daughter). It was a nice concept, but didn't quite work with the references to Malia writing on a laptop/electronic notepad and her work being saved to the cloud. Although during the musical Jennifer gifts her an old fashioned writer's book as a present for her stay at writer's summer camp, so it worked with that. The cast wear pastel clothing to match the set, which gave that warm spring to summer feel to what was to transpire. This contrasts to the second act, when Jennifer has died and Paul and Malia remain in somber coloured clothing, whilst the rest of the cast gradually resume to pastel shades of optimism and life.
Running parallel to the main plot, is Malia's work of fiction due to be honed at the summer camp. Malia played by Robyn Rose-Li, is a typical 15 year old girl. She has aspirations to be a great writer, but her eye is also taken by a local boy, who likes her too.
The musical intertwines Malia's personal struggles with the story she writes about Willow, a bird with broken wings striving to reach a mountaintop. This parallel narrative serves as a metaphor for Malia's emotional journey, helping her confront the realities of her mother's terminal illness while finding resilience through her creative expression. Rather akin to the critical peers at the summer camp, I also found this to be more of a children's tale and I'm not sure that it worked, despite the fabulous performance from Maddison Bulleyment. Maybe it was the throwing of confetti every time she or Flynn (Edward Chitticks) appeared that made it more cartoonish than the embodiment of Malia's true emotional state.
The show boasts standout performances, especially from Keala Settle as Malia's mother, Jennifer. Settle brings warmth, strength, and tenderness to the role, portraying a parent grappling with how to guide her daughter through the painful reality of losing her. Robyn Rose-Li as Malia embodies the conflicted spirit of a teenager trying to make sense of a world falling apart. I heard some gasps in the audience as she lashes out at her father, but maybe they've haven't been around 15 year old girls lately (they can be truly vile, I know I was one).
Cavin Cornwall provides a steady and supportive presence as Malia's father, Paul. The relationship between him and Jennifer felt loving and real. He manages to portray his own loss with subtlety whilst grappling with the difficulty of trying to help and support his daughter.
Maddison Bulleyment (as Willow) and Max Gill (as Caleb) also shine, with Gill delivering some of the most humorous and poignant lines of the show, adding levity and support to Malia's experience.
While the cast delivers strong performances and the musical has moments of touching beauty, the overall impact may not hit the emotional depths it aspires to. Some scenes feel slightly rushed, and while the songs carry the narrative forward, there are instances where the music drowns out the vocals, making it difficult to catch every word. The three-piece band brings energy to the show, but the balance occasionally overwhelms the singers, which is a pity given the strength of the vocal performances.
"Fly More Than You Fall" is undoubtedly a heartfelt exploration of a teenager's quest to find her way through one of life's hardest challenges. Despite some minor flaws, the production remains an earnest and compassionate portrayal of love, loss, and the courage to move forward. It might not leave everyone in tears (I had a little sniffle), but it certainly resonates with those who appreciate a story about the enduring power of love, hope and imagination.
Overall, "Fly More Than You Fall" is a musical with a lot of heart, bolstered by a strong cast and a thoughtful story. The performances, particularly from Keala Settle, Cavin Cornwall, Robyn Rose-Li, Maddion Bulleyment and Max Gill, stand out. Despite some technical issues with the band and occasional narrative inconsistencies, it’s a production that resonates, leaving audiences to reflect on the ways in which we cope with life’s biggest challenge - the loss of a loved one.
Fly More Than You Fall, with Book & Lyrics by Eric Holmes (TV’s The Good Fight, Smash), Music & Lyrics by Nat Zegree, is directed by Christian Durham.
When: now until 23rd November 2024
Where: Southwark Playhouse Elephant (take care not to go the other Southwark Playhouse at Borough on Newington Causeway)
1 Dante Place
80 Newington Butts
London SE11 4RX
Tickets: £20-£40
Box office: Fly More Than You Fall - Southwark Playhouse
Comments