Our House, Crescent Theatre Birmingham Review
Written by Roni for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Everyone has an opinion on jukebox musicals, but love them or hate them, they’re here to stay. Once the winner of Best New Musical at the Olivier’s, Our House is one such show that has stuck around. Now, St Alphege Musical Production Society are donning their ‘Baggy Trousers’ with their own version of some much loved tunes – can they create the ultimate house of fun?
Our House features the music of Ska band Madness, and tells the story of Londoner Joe Casey, a sixteen year old with his future ahead of him, determined not to turn out like his criminal father. When he is caught trespassing on a building site, Joe’s life splits in two – the ‘good’ path, where he hands himself in and is sent to a young offenders institute, and the ‘bad’ path, where he flees, and inevitably ends up caught in a life of crime. Both timelines contain similar events – Joe marries his childhood girlfriend Sarah, and developers enact a plan to burn down Joe’s mothers house in order to build new property. The two timelines end very differently however, as Joe attempts to make peace with the ghost of his dead father, and come to terms with his own path.
Despite being an amateur show, this company is bringing the levels of energy and enthusiasm that wouldn’t be out of place on a more professional stage. Despite the show being plagued by a few unfortunate tech and lighting mishaps, this doesn’t detract from the overall vibes of pure joy. There’s also some impressive staging at play (complete with a moving car), as well as a fabulous band, with special mention to Frank Stubbs and Beccy Bernamont for providing the familiar trumpet and saxophone hallmarks that Madness songs are renowned for.
This is a lovely, well rounded cast who compliment each other beautifully. Devlin Young and Rob Bateman are sufficiently cheeky as Emmo and Lewis, playing off each other with ease. Carl Hemming is menacing as career criminal Reecey, while Sharon Tozer and Steven Young fulfill the roles of Joe’s parents beautifully. Katie Elliott and Emily Holtom are incredible as the mischievous Billie and Angie, and they also shine as co- choreographers, having created some impressive dance numbers. Melanie Bateman is an understated Sarah, but is no less stunning and well paired with Dylan Norris’ Joe. Dylan himself flexes some impressive vocals and characterisations that leave the audience rooting for Joe to make the right choice, which is no mean feat.
Overall, this is a charming amateur production with a lot of heart set to a back drop of catchy ska music – what more could you wish for?!
★★★★