REVIEW | Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World, UK Tour
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World production image. Credit Pamela RaithWritten by Kay
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is an empowering production about great women, played by fantastically talented performers. The production cleverly combines humour with impassioned storytelling and empowering life lessons.
The story follows a young girl called Jade (played by Georgia Grant-Anderson) who, on a school trip, finds herself lost in the museum. Stumbling upon the Gallery of Greatness, Jade immediately begins to encounter some of the most incredible women from history. As the young girl expresses her concerns, troubles, and her struggles in finding herself, the figures offer advice, touching on some truths that even the adults in the audience can relate too.
There’s Emmeline Pankhurst, played by the incredible Jennifer Caldwell, who also plays Agent Fifi. Her portrayals are full of joy and fun. Then there’s Jane Austen, a lovable character whose solo is given a classy edge by the vastly talented Chlöe Hart. Finally, there’s Leah Vassell, who plays Amelia Earhart and whose soliloquy as Rosa Parks is a rallying call for us to continue making progress.
A special mention for Elena Breshchi who played Frida Khalo and Sacagawea, the latter of whom required sign language as part of her storytelling.
For anyone who’s already SIX, the similarities are in abundance, with the atmosphere, the humour and even the timing of the production feeling somewhat similar. This production runs in one sitting, there is no interval and as musicals go, it’s a short one.
Again, the music is somewhat reminiscent of SIX with the soundtrack offering a combination of punk, rock, pop and even a pinch of rapping. Whilst the scenary and costumes are a feast for the eyes.
The only criticism would be that at times, the production moved a bit too quickly and dialogue was occasionally lost. All around us were the whispered voices of parents, quickly re-speaking parts that had seemingly gone unheard. While one or two of the monologues did lose a bit of momentum and energy, most of the show is well-written.
As someone who loved history as a child and wanted nothing more than to change the world, I can only imagine how powerful this production would have been.
This production is powerful, empowering and a feast for the imagination and senses. It’s a production that you should definitely try to catch when it comes to a venue near you.
At Wales Millennium Centre until 21 January as part of its UK tour. Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is touring until 16 March 2024.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
