Review: FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD, The Lowry - Tour

Photo credit: Pamela Raith

An evening filled with head bopping, punk rocking and a whole lot of history. With a fitting SIX inspired soundtrack, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World: The Musical proves to women, young and old, that, no matter how small you believe you are in the world, you should be empowered to be who you want to be and make change.

The story follows a young girl named Jade (Georgia Grant-Anderson) who finds herself lost in an art “Gallery of Greatness”. Surrounded by some of the greatest women from history, the lost schoolgirl attempts to find herself, her purpose and where she is going, learning key messages from the empowered feminists she befriends along the way.

Whilst, at points, energy drops within the cast, Jennifer Caldwell, who played iconic women Emmeline Pankhurst and Agent Fifi, conveys such an intensity to her performance and really embodies the women that she is playing. Her portrayal of Emmeline Pankhurst is awe-inspiring as her onstage presence keeps the audience captivated by her every move and word, allowing the power and militancy of the character to shine.

Alongside Caldwell’s performance, two musical contrasting performances connect the audience through the motif of colour, evoking joy and hope simultaneously. Elena Breschi’s rendition of ‘A World of Colour’ as Frida Kahlo is a piece of art itself, constructed onstage through song and ensemble dance, whereas Rosa’s Lullaby (performed by Leah Vassell) beautifully presents the stories of hope for Rosa Parks, herself, Jade and Anne Frank (Millie Kiss). Intertwined, these stories hook the audience and empower them to be their truest selves.

This show is a piece of technical perfection, despite the minor hiccoughs with microphone levels. A sensory explosion, colour is brushed all around the stage and the cast interacts with each piece of set that is positioned there. Each costume design by Joanna Scotcher matches the identity of the famous female whilst bringing them up to speed with modern day: the most iconic piece throughout the show is Emmeline Pankhurst’s soldier suit. Every moment is filled with surprise and wonder through the intricate designs onstage.

The entirety of this performance is an artwork that should be inspiring the next generation of feminist theatre makers. When people ask what the future of theatre looks like, the answer should be “Fantastically Great”.

Fabulous feminist fun.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Harley Keasey

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World: The Musical plays at The Lowry until 7 January 2024 before continuing its tour. Tickets for select touring venues can be purchased here.