REVIEW | Angry Salmon, British Youth Music Theatre
★ ★ ★ ★
Reviewer - Russell
*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
Angry Salmon is a musical written by Jordan Paul Clarke and Ali James about Salmon. Yep that’s right, it’s a musical, about salmon.
No, it really is.
It’s fun though, really, it’s lots and lots of fun, with excellent performances from the cast of thousands, well thirty-three.
And it’s really cleverly choreographed and directed with some songs that are catchier than Fin Rot in your nan’s aquarium.
The story is based around a tank of farmed salmon that escape into the wild wild ocean, but are ill-equipped to survive. It's about ecology and giant fishing corporations and how the Farmed fish struggle to find food and adapt to their new surroundings.
It’s got the feel of a Disney or Pixar cartoon but with a more British-humour take to it. And what initially appears to be a simple set, soon evaporates as the skill of the director and choreographer and the simple puppetry involved at times make you feel like you're watching a 'run of salmon' swimming in our contaminated waters.
And let’s talk about the cast.
There are some very very talented performers involved. There is a level of talent and passion that oozes from these young people. Amongst them there are some beautiful voices, some amazing dancers and some lovely comedy turns, and some real-star quality on display here.
And it’s clear to see that some of the main players will go on to be involved in musicals (probably not about salmon though) and theatre for many years to come.
It’s fair to say, that there are more sea and fish-based jokes and puns on display here than there are plankton in a Blue whale’s stomach. In fact, there are now no fish-based jokes left anywhere in the joke-writers-oceans, because Paul and Ali have farmed every single last one of them. I think the writers should take a long hard look at themselves for this!
But seriously, full marks for the subject matter.
Writing a salmon-based musical is a very bold move.
And let’s face it, If you can make an entertaining ninety minutes long musical out of renegade salmon, then Paul (Composer, Co-Writer, and Musical Director) and Ali (Director and Co-Writer) can probably make an entertaining musical about anything.
Out of all the Farmed fish-based musicals in UK theatres at the moment, this is definitely the one to go and see, if you get the opportunity, and I give it four-star (fish)s*.
*See Paul and Ali, you’re not the only ones that can do it.
And it’s got to be said that the audience, a packed Bridewell theatre loved it, with lots of clapping and cheering throughout and a standing ovation at the end.
Well done everyone involved. I really enjoyed it.
Further information on shows from British Youth Music Theatre can be found on their website.
