Babies - A New Born Musical, The Other Palace Review

Babies production image. Photo by Matt Crockett.

Written by Beth for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.

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Babies is the new musical by Martha Geelan and Jack Godfrey which is delighting audiences in The Other Palace until 14th July.

Set across the course of 5 days, Babies follows 9 classmates as they are tasked with looking after baby dolls and learn more about themselves and their classmates than they expect.

Having proved himself a promising star with 42 Balloons, Jack Godfrey has once again exceeded all hopes with the score. Delicate and moving solos are perfectly contrasted with powerful ensemble numbers which equally charm the audience. 

Geelan's script and direction creates 9 distinct and fully complex characters, each reflecting many stereotypes but going beyond that to show them as real multi-dimensional people rather than caricatures. Geelan manages to perfectly replicate the hustle and bustle of high school corridors with only 9 actors, and every scene is wholly believable. 

The set and costume design by Jasmine Swan is impeccable. Every element of each character is perfectly personalised, from hairstyles to backpacks to how they alter their uniforms. 

A true ensemble piece, Babies allows every cast member to shine and showcases the talents of Ashley Goh, Bradley Riches, Jaina Brock-Patel, Lauren Conroy, Lucy Carter, Max Mulrenan, Nathan Johnston, Viola Maisey, and Zoe Athena. This cast certainly contains the next generation of stars who I have no doubt will be spotted in tours and the West End in years to come - as is already the case with the stunning Lauren Conroy who has been announced as Zoe Murphy in the UK tour of Dear Evan Hansen starting this September.

Babies is an absolute triumph, a bright shining star in the midst of the darkness of growing up today. With songs and themes which echo across generations, it will doubtless be celebrated for years to come.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆