Babies The Musical, Lyric Theatre
Babies The Musical. Photo: Pamela Raith
Written by Annie, Theatre & Tonic.
It’s always so exciting when a new show gets a west-end run, especially when it’s a show that has had so much buzz around it for a long time, and that’s exactly the case with Babies. Jack Godfrey and Martha Geelan’s high energy, completely larger than life musical is a complete joy from start to finish.
Babies have had an exciting journey and these three concert versions of the show are a testament to the show’s potential and development across the past few years.
Centred around a teen class’ baby simulator experiment, the show takes you on a journey with all the characters and how they all react to the assignment, for better or worse. The group quickly learns it isn’t as easy as first expected, leading to more challenges in their friendships and relationships.
Godfrey and Geelan’s writing is full of wit, energy and humour. It has a great tempo from the start and continues to grow throughout. Offering a modern pop-rock soundtrack, the music compliments the characters wonderfully - feeling current and age appropriate.
The show’s title song is incredibly catchy (yes I have been singing it all weekend since the opening night) and exactly as you’d hope a title song to be. The rest of the score is just an equal match in terms of its power and technicality. Stand-out songs “Hot Dad” and “Someone Else” prove how complex and dynamic this score is.
Listen: Our Interview with Jack Godfrey, writer of Babies The Musical.
Contrasting these incredibly energetic songs are pinnacle moments for the character Leah (Shakira Riddell-Morales) whose heart-wrenching ballad “Without Saying Goodbye” creates such beautiful still moments in the show. Leah as a whole is an incredibly complex character who has the most unique journey compared to her peers - and Riddell-Morales has captured Leah’s growth so wonderfully - she is a true talent from start to finish.
The cast as a whole is an incredibly talented bunch - all offering very strong performances and brilliant vocals. Some roles did feel slightly mismatched in terms of on stage chemistry with one another, making some storylines a little less believable than others. However this does not deter from the talent on the stage - the entire cast were exceptional, hopefully this is something a future longer run can help smooth out.
The show is bursting with energy and keeps memento from start to finish, which is no mean feat being a one act show. It runs for 1hr40, and doesn’t stall at any moments. However, I do feel like there’s room for growth within the show that could enable it to be split into two acts/ 1hr40 does feel on the cusp of too long for a one act show. Having spoken to a couple of people after the show, it seems many felt similarly (and there were lots of sprints to the loos at the end!).
The show doesn’t feel like it is missing anything in terms of numbers or storyline, so it is not a necessity to extend it, but this is perhaps just something it can consider for the future.
The staging is kept simplistic but is used to its maximum potential, as is given with a concert production, it needs to be simple but effective. Props and scenery are used cleverly and swapped out of scenes so seamlessly - it was very impressive to watch the level of professionalism of the production.
I think it’s no secret that Babies is set for success, and these concert productions are evidence enough of its growth and potential. Both the book, music and lyrics feel very well polished and are a joy to witness. There are a couple of areas which perhaps have room for growth, but I have no doubt that this show is destined to go in only one direction. I for one cannot wait to see where Babies The Musical will go next!
