⭐⭐⭐
{Title of Show} is a meta-musical that revolves around two struggling writers, Jeff (played by Jacob Fowler) and Hunter (played by Thomas Oxley), who decide to create an original musical about... creating a musical. The plot is as much about the creative process as it is about the characters themselves, blending comedy, ambition, and self-reflection in an inventive way.
In Act 1, Jeff and Hunter, two aspiring creatives, stumble upon a festival accepting submissions for new musicals but face a daunting three-week deadline. Without a clear concept, they decide to craft a musical about the process of writing a musical. To bring their vision to life, they enlist two friends: Heidi (played by Abbie Budden), the only one of the four with Broadway experience albeit as an understudy/swing, and Susan (played by Mary Moore), a quirky office worker with a dry sense of humour. The four friends play heightened versions of themselves, blending their real personalities and struggles into the script. The act cleverly alternates between their creative journey and the musical itself, sometimes breaking the fourth wall to explore insecurities, creative blocks, and their shared humour.
Act 2 follows the group as their musical is accepted into the festival, sparking hope for a Broadway production. However, newfound visibility brings challenges, including creative disagreements and commercial pressures that strain their friendships. As they wrestle with balancing authenticity and broader appeal, tensions flare. Ultimately, they reaffirm their commitment to the honesty and originality that define their work, choosing to celebrate their creative journey over external validation. The act concludes with a poignant reminder that success lies in staying true to one’s artistic vision.
I really love how the Southwark Playhouse is able to be creative with its space, I don't think that I've been to any production where the staging has been the same. But the use of the minimalist staging with four chairs was giving me health and safety shivers! The actors constantly stood on them, moved around on them, re-positioned them. At times Mary Moore looked as if she was concentrating hard on the physical aspects of those chairs as coming off one could be catastrophic .
The cast is uniformly strong, bringing energy and enthusiasm to a script that demands an intricate balance of comedy, vulnerability, and quick-fire delivery. The chemistry between the ensemble is palpable, and they capture the highs and lows of the creative process with sincerity. Their commitment makes the show’s humour shine, and there are many laugh-out-loud moments throughout. It’s clear that the actors are having a good time on stage, which is infectious for the audience. Special mention should be made of Larry the keyboardist (actually Musical Director Tom Chippendale), who is not just a musician but an active part of the show, bringing an additional layer of humour to the performance when he has be clear whether he's able to speak or not, due to union rules.
The script also takes a playful jab at theatre critics, dissecting the process of reviews and judgment with both wit and discomfort. For the press attending, there were definitely moments of awkward laughter, particularly as the characters explore the frustrations of being on the receiving end of criticism.
In terms of pacing, {Title of Show} feels more like a fringe production that could benefit from a tighter, more concise format. It's a straight 90 minute run through with no interval, and the concept for me —while fun and unique—might have been better served with a shorter, punchier runtime of around 60 minutes.
Ultimately, {Title of Show} is a charming, but niche production that will undoubtedly delight musical theatre aficionados and those who enjoy a self-referential deep dive into the world of show business. I feared that the show might be a bit up itself and to an extent that fear was justified.
But with standout performances from the entire cast and a good number of genuinely funny moments, it’s an enjoyable, if uneven, experience—a solid three-star show for those who understand the language of musicals and enjoy celebrating their quirks and challenges.
Where: Southwark Playhouse Borough
77-85 Newington Causeway
London
SE1 6BD
When: Tuesday 19th November - Saturday 30th November
Show Times: Mon-Sat 7.30pm Tues/Sat 3pm
How To Get There: The nearest stations are Borough and Elephant & Castle, it's about a 20 minute walk from London Bridge
£26 Standard / £21 Concessions / Previews £16 /
Age Guidance: 11+ (there is a bit of swearing and talk of masturbation)
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