REVIEW | Rehab The Musical, Neon 194 London

Reviews

18 Jan

Christian Maynard as Kid Pop and Company 2 - Rehab the Musical - Neon 194. Photos by Mark Senior

Written by Becky

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.

Please note: This show contains strong drug references, sex references and themes of suicide & mental illness.

Rehab The Musical has begun its run at the cosy new London venue Neon 194 in Piccadilly. An extravagant and vibrant comedy about a really serious issue, this show deals with topics from mental health to the price of fame and the struggles of addiction. With an exceptional cast to front the musical this is a feel-good, motivational production with so much heart at its core.

Written by Grant Black, he began writing Rehab The Musical whilst himself at an addiction centre and was inspired by the “beautifully-flawed” people he experienced there. This was wonderfully reflected in his writing and portrayal of each individual character within the show, so to his absolute credit this was excellently executed.

Rehab is set in 1999 and surrounds rising star Kid Pop (Christian Maynard), who is sent to rehab after the lavish life of fame has caused him to turn to excessive drug and alcohol abuse. He must handle 60 days at “The Glade” to return to his life of luxury and temptation. Single mum and stripper Lucy Blake (Maiya Quansah-Breed) is subsequently sent to the rehabilitation centre to report on Kid Pop’s antics in order to get a good story for Villainous manager Malcolm Stone (Keith Allan). The two then form an unlikely bond alongside other friendships that begin to blossom alongside them.

Further mentions have to go firstly to Oscar Conlon-Morrey who plays the lovable Phil, his comedic timing is to be applauded but his ability to convey serious emotions is also an absolute credit to his acting talent. Jodie Steele is the fabulous bad girl Beth, who may or may not go through her own personal challenges throughout the show, and John Barr is the hilariously camp Barry who utters hilarious dialogue every time he speaks. This all being said, you truly do care for every character and their background stories, you’re rooting for all of them to better themselves.

The vocal range was exceptional by the entire cast, especially Mica Paris MBE, who I don’t think could sing a single wrong note. I honestly had goosebumps multiple times.

The minimalistic set worked for the show and the cast's advantage, as this allowed the characters to be the true focal point of the production. The transitions from the ensemble were slick and smooth, they were barely noticeable, which I think can be difficult to deliver in a smaller venue. All the whole cast had to do was maintain immersive and engaging body language to set each scene and this was done perfectly.

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll find yourself shouting w****r in your seats! This is the perfect feel-good and provocative treat for those looking for a slightly more adult musical for a great night out!

Rehab the Musical is playing at Neon 194 Piccadilly until 17th of Feb.

Book your tickets here https://rehabthemusical.com