Review: FLYOLOGY, Union Theatre
Photo credit: Tom Chaplin
Flyology is a pretty quirky tale. Three pioneering figures of British history are sucked into the modern world by a tech entrepreneur who is crafting a piece of software that eliminates emotion from business. One problem - the trio, Ada Lovelace, Emmeline Pankhurst and Ethel Smyth are now in his way.
The musical is a whole heap of fun; never taking itself too seriously and being uber-aware of a pretty wild premise. The cast are clearly having a ball, and so too are the audience. The laughs come quick and fast and the score is fitting. Beautifully accompanied by writer Tamiko Dooley, the songs here move the story on and let us into the inner workings of each characters thoughts.
A standout moment is Ethel Smyth’s mini stand up set, beautifully accompanied by the piano playing of Dooley, with hints of a 1930's cabaret. A ball of energy and bravado, Ashleigh Cassidy delivers zinger after zinger whilst giving a five-minute masterclass in the art of characterisation. Not to be outdone, Ada Lovelace and Emmeline Pankhurst both have their own musical moments too. With the pair showcasing fine pipes with touching songs. Pankhurst wants to be known as more than a revolutionary, and Lovelace is desperate to finish her book that the show takes its name from.
Plot-wise is fairly simple - the women are trying to find a way out of the tech hellscape they have found themselves in and using their intelligence and tenacity try to escape. Callum, the misogynistic CEO, does everything in his power to alienate Lovelace from the others - who end up on their own journey of love and hope.
Flyology utilises the small space of the Union Theatre. The set is made up of a main area where most of the action takes place, and a raised walkway that doubles as a corridor and a stage. This is cleverly used to break up the action from a singular location and works well to separate the characters, both story-wise and physically.
Adam Gregory’s lighting, whilst sometimes subtle, helps to paint the scenes. From four striking beams to resemble the AI programme to a sinister use of red when the story reaches its climax, these choices are done well to not overshadow the songs or plot, but instead works in tandem to anchor the mood of each song and scene.
It is extraordinary how so much exposition and plot is squeezed into such a short amount of time. The characters are very well established, with the CEO (Callum) being a ridiculous mix of Mark Zuckerberg and Alan Carr. The physical comedy and melodramatic facial expressions are performed hilariously by Charlie Renwick - his breakdowns and rants are a joy to watch. Whereas the three historical titans are all given space to breathe life into these somewhat forgotten heroes. All dressed distinctively, it is quickly establshed exactly who they are. From the crass swagger of Ashleigh Cassidy's Smyth, the wanting recognition of Meg Abbott's Lovelace to the determined principles of Aishling Jones' Pankhurst.
The original score from Tamiko Dooley serves the play remarkably. From ballads to comedy, Dooley has crafted a set list with a strong range of musical genres. The Act Two opener, a strong feminist anthem, fits the mood perfectly, whereas the cheeky Lovelace solo piece brings a touch of fun and cheekiness to proceedings. The score shines though in its touching moments when a character can pour their innermost feelings out. This is a score that can be revisited time and time again.
Of course, the rise of AI is a prevalent theme throughout proceedings. Not only as a plot device but also that of an unnamed character. Their true motivation are only revealed in the closing moments and it's almost as if it was shoehorned in. The way the show ended was almost perfect with all the characters’ story arcs reaching their natural conclusions, however this addition seemed unnecessary at best.
A handful of slightlyodd creative choices doesn't dampen the fun of Flyology - a great score, fantastic characterisation and a light-hearted story make this an enjoyable night at the theatre.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: James Springthorpe
Flyology plays at London’s Union Theatre until 8 May, with further info here.
