The Glamification of Loki (British Youth Music Theatre) at Southwark Playhouse Borough Review
Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
The British Youth Music Theatre’s summer season has arrived with a bushel full of fantastic shows this summer to Southwark Playhouse. Eden Tredwell’s The Glamification of Loki is a brand new musical which looks at the Norse God of Mischief in a wholly original style.
The story is a simple but perfectly executed premise. Iodun’s apples of youth have fallen to Earth along with the Goddess, and so Loki is let loose on the beauty industry to try and regain them before the Asgardians start the ageing process again. This show beautifully balances both the original Norse myths as well as modern culture and ideas, so whether you are an expert on Scandinavian culture and stories or a complete novice, this production is equally welcoming to both. It was wonderful to see such a fresh story breathe such joyous life into this production. The songs are brilliantly composed and very catchy. The cast is truly one of the most magnificent crowning jewels in this production. They acted with such wonderful chemistry, enthusiasm and sheer joy that the audience was swept along with them. I was particularly impressed by Patrick Gill as a wonderfully cheeky and confident Loki, a smooth and witty Molly Stainthorpe as female Loki, a brilliantly grounded Ariana Callan as Ingrid and an irreverent scene stealing Jayden Kaye as Jean Pierre John Paul.
Grace Taylor’s direction was nuanced and light, creating an incredibly charged atmosphere and confident cast and production. The 90 minutes pacing was kept taut and well focused throughout, leaving the audience in fits of laughter and joy throughout. Steven Moore’s choreography was fresh and fun, whilst Lavie Rabinovitz’s musical direction kept the show highly engaging. Cory Shipp’s staging was simple but elegant and suited the aesthetic of the beauty industry well. The themes of supporting others, kindness, self acceptance, true beauty, the price of immortality and the legacy we leave are explained with sincerity and great care.
This was a truly joyous production that was bursting with brilliance in every detail. I wish this truly fantastic cast all the best, and I look forward to seeing their shining careers in future productions. This is a brand new musical I would love to see return to London’s theatre scene as it is highly rewatchable. If you want a truly fun and wholesome take on Norse mythology with witty lines, incredible actors and a really fun family night out then this is the show for you.
The Glamification of Loki played at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 30 August
★★★★★
