Review: TICK, TICK…BOOM!, Theatr Clwyd
Photo credit: Johan Persson
Theatr Clwyd has recently completed a bold and ambitious £50 million refurbishment, transforming Wales’ largest producing theatre into a multi-purpose, environmentally friendly, accessible state-of-the-art venue. This impressive redevelopment is matched by an equally exciting new season on stage. Tick, tick… boom! is the first production to welcome audiences back into the newly renamed 'Theatr Moondance' as part of its first phase of reopening.
Written by Jonathan Larson, this semi-autobiographical musical follows Jon (Ryan Owen), a young composer living in New York City in the 1990s. As his 30th birthday approaches, he begins to question whether he made the right choice in pursuing a career in the performing arts. With his best friend Michael (Tarik Frimpong) wanting him to pursue a more stable career and his girlfriend Susan (Christina Modestou) wanting to escape city life, Jon faces a difficult decision. Should he continue chasing his artistic dreams despite his lack of success, or follow in Michael’s footsteps and pursue a more ‘lucrative’ career?
Best known for the recent Netflix film starring Andrew Garfield, Ryan Owen leads the cast of three with gusto and passion. Owen injects copious amounts of energy into the material as well as bringing a vocal intensity as Jon that elevates the whole production. He captures the character’s self-doubt with nuance by reflecting on the universal struggle of questioning life choices and lack of achievements. Alongside co-stars Tarik Frimpong and Christina Modestou, he forms a dynamic trio that ensures the stage remains vibrant throughout the 90-minute show. With three commendable lead performances, a stronger emotional connection between the three could elevate the story’s core relationships further.
Both Frimpong and Modestou impress with their skillful multi-rolling, each shining in their moments. Modestou steals the show with a note-perfect rendition of ‘Come To Your Senses,’ the standout number in an already impressive score. Her charismatic portrayal of Estelle, Jon’s agent, also draws laughs and highlights her commanding stage presence. Frimpong brings the script’s lighthearted humour to life with charm, making the most of the character which isn’t always well served by the script. Despite rapid character changes, both actors deliver fully formed, distinct roles, testament to their versatility and talent.
The creative elements really lift the production with Amy Jane Cook’s set design capturing the grandeur of New York whilst maintaining an intimate focus on Jon’s personal journey. From the Moondance American diner to the rooftops of the Big Apple, the striking set design transports us convincingly. Intricate transitions using a revolve are effective both visually and symbolically, subtly reflecting Jon’s turning points in his life. Lucy Cullingford’s choreography further supports the storytelling, filling the stage and bringing Jon’s struggle to life.
This marks Kate Wasserberg’s first production as Artistic Director at the venue, and it's a highly promising start. Tick, tick… Boom! is the perfect choice to launch a new era at Theatr Clwyd, with this hidden gem of a theatre tucked away in the tranquil Welsh countryside, delivering a true boom of brilliance on stage.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Jordan Potts
Tick, tick…BOOM! plays at Theatr Clwyd until 28 June, with further info here.