REVIEW | Identical, Nottingham Playhouse

Photo: Pamela Raith

IDENTICAL
NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE
★★★

The world premiere of Identical has finally been given the opportunity to make it onto the stage this summer after a hiatus inflicted by the pandemic. The musical is performing for a limited run at the Nottingham Playhouse until 14 August. Identical will then be transferred to The Lowry between 19 Aug - 3 September. It is a delightful new family musical but it definitely needs some tweaks in order for it to succeed further. 

The Parent Trap itself is a story that has been delighting families for generations. From Erich Kästner's 1949 classic novel to two Disney production films in 1961 and 1998. The most recognisable is probably the Lindsay Lohan 1998 film though (which I myself watch on a regular basis!). Now it is adapted for the stage, produced by Kenny Wax and directed by Trevor Nunn.

This new stage adaptation aligns closer to Kästner's novel than it does the popular movies. Set in 1950 Austria, Identical still begins at a summer camp. Raised apart after their parent's divorce, 10-year-old identical twins Lottie and Lisa are about to discover one another. They decide to hatch a plan to switch places. The premise of this musical is sweet. Once you get past the bizarre custody arrangement there is plenty of opportunity for there to be some comedy and some warmth in Identical's delivery. 

Robert Jones' set design and Douglas O'Connell's video design do their best to enhance the atmosphere. It definitely gives life to the setting.  Whether it is the backdrop of the summer camp or the Munich architecture, where Lisa meets her mother for the first time, it does really draw you in. 

Photo: Pamela Raith

Photo: Pamela Raith

The songs in this new musical have been written by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Big names in the business, they've worked on smash-hit shows like Mary Poppins, Half A Sixpence and The Wind in the Willows. However with this reputation, in Identical the music doesn't make the same impact. Their style is very similar and linear with little imagination. For me, this musical didn't hit the mark. Stuart Paterson's book has some great moments in it but it felt like the show was going on for a long duration without really executing what it wanted. But it's not all bad. It has some really fulfilled elements; the casting is fantastic and the video design is clever. It just wasn't delivered how I expected it to be. 

The Patrick twins are instantly likeable as Lisa and Lottie.

Lisa and Lottie are played by three sets of real-life twins. For our performance, we had the talented duo of Eden and Emme Patrick. The Patrick twins are instantly likeable as Lisa and Lottie. Not only did they manage to capture the different personalities of the twins but they made their journey from complete strangers to sisters very convincing. They were a joy to watch both individually and collectively. 

Photo: Pamela Raith

Lisalotte, the twin's mother, is played by Emily Tierney. She brings instant warmth to her role and her voice is well suited to the ballads intertwined in this show. James Darch plays the father, Johan and he sits comfortably in the role. Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson is superb as Johan's finance Irene. Her delivery was brilliant, particularly in her song "Take One or the Other". Louise Gold and Michael Smith-Stewart delivered some great comedic relief from the story. Although of course, the young ensemble cast was absolutely stunning and a credit to the future of theatre. 

Identical has all of the ingredients to result in a wonderful family musical. It is a heartwarming story and one that has been long-awaited to be on the stage. I really wanted to enjoy this so much more than I did!