Review: THE GLAMIFICATION OF LOKI, Southwark Playhouse
It’s always difficult to give a star rating to youth theatre – are we comparing them to similar youth theatre performances? Or are we giving a rating to the show, especially when it’s being seen for the first time? Or do we just rate it as an evening at the theatre?
Whichever criteria we use, this one’s a winner. The British Youth Music Theatre has a highly respected name for quality theatre performed by 11-21 year olds, and Southwark Playhouse Elephant is the ideal home for them. The Glamification of Loki is an updating of Norse mythology to the world of cosmetics and fashion. Eden Tredwell is a name to watch, having written the music, book and lyrics for this entertaining and inventive take on a story not well known here – apart from in the Marvel movies and they come in for some digs too. Her score, in particular, is a delight in its celebration of classic musical theatre.
Director Grace Taylor marshals her 35-strong cast impressively on the limited confines of the stage, and has coaxed tremendous performances from all concerned in this pacy, inventive and satisfying production. Musical director Lavie Rabinovitz leads a tight five piece band, two of them young instrumentalists. Designer Cory Shipp makes good use of sliding screens and a mix of contemporary and historical costume.
Choreographer Steven Dean Moore takes on this classic musical-inspired score and gives it a definite Fosse feel at times, with bowler hat rims suitably caressed and chairs pulled on stage at the correct angle. This choreography is more than pastiche, however; it's exactly right for the impressive score, tuneful and yet not predictable. We even got a homage to the bottle dance in Fiddler.
It is one of the many strengths of Eden Tredwell’s new musical (which certainly deserves to be seen again) that it is eminently singable by the talented young cast. In the title role of shape-shifter Loki, Patrick Gill is suitably confident, commanding and heroic with just a dash of camp, and he sustains the role with great energy. Opposite him as Ingrid, Ariana Callan is a strong actor and singer, who is more than a match for her superhero suitor.
Around these two are a great many characters, all well played in different ways, but we don’t have space to mention them all. A particularly strong singer, Efan Williams, plays Eric; his ability to ensure that every word is heard makes us think we might see him performing Sondheim one day. Millie Whale makes a good job of sending up Thor as well as playing him, and is a nifty hammer swinger as well.
And a special mention for Layla Amaning and Arthur Owen as the Ravens – no lines as such but determined to make their mark. Owen can get laughs just from well-timed squawks and is another name to note. Always reliable providers of entertainment, BYMT is even more important when opportunities for young people to take part in musical theatre are disappearing elsewhere. Kudos to all concerned for giving us another great show.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Chris Abbott
Photo credit: Leanne Dixon
