REVIEW: Urinetown at Newcastle Jubilee Theatre

Urinetown

Newcastle Jubilee Theatre 

Until Saturday 11 October

Urinetown is one of the rarer musicals that gets performed - and that is a real shame as it has the magic combination of great songs, a captivating story and a good number of laughs. It is also relevant for today's society. This week it is being performed at the Jubilee Theatre (which is in St. Nicholas Hospital in Gosforth) by an enthusiastic group who don't settle for the usual pot boilers.

If you're not familiar with the story, Urinetown was written after writer Greg Kotis encountered pay-per-use public restrooms in Europe and was inspired to create a satirical musical about a dystopian future where private toilets are banned, and a corrupt corporation controls public sanitation. Collaborating with composer Mark Hollmann, Kotis developed the musical as a commentary on capitalism, environmental issues, and social inequality, satirizing both political corruption and the conventions of American musical theatre. 

Narration is shared between Officer Lockstock (Sam Honour) and Little Sally (Megan Crampsey) who frequently break the fourth wall to explain the main conceit of the show (or certainly the part not passed on in the lyrics). The show opens at a public toilet, one of the filthiest urinals in town, which is only used by the poorest in society. For the show to work, toilet attendants Penelope Pennywise (Rebecca Graham) and her assistant Bobby Strong (Tyler Neumann) need to not only lead the audience along the potentially crazy senario but also to nail their respective songs. Graham hit the notes in It's A Privilege To Pee and Neumann took show stopper Run Freedom Run in his stride.

The show also needs a bad guy for the idealistic Strong to push against and Alan Davison both brought a unique take on Caldwell B. Cladwell and he also added sparkle to the fun song Don't Be The Bunny. 

The other principal of note is Cladwell's naïve daughter Hope (Bee Iceton) who has to literally add that hope to an otherwise challenging tale of corporate greed and corruption. The show is then supplemented with corrupt politicians like Fipp (Fran Haigh) at one end of the spectrum and men with a rebellious streak like Hot Blades Harry (Henry Akinosho) who also get a chance to add their singing talent to the show. 

Now, regular readers will know that we are fans of this musical. It is a joyous celebration of life, in its own cavalier way. I cannot help but think that a bad decision would be to try to stage it without a live band - as they provide the energy - fortunately this show had a 5 piece band under John Freer-Dalziel which brought the songs to life.

This is a different interpretation from directors Callum Buchanan and Mary Freer-Dalziel. Lockstock going jazz hands at the start and the use of a tight group of dancers dressed in what I can only describe as "Glasgow Wonka Umpa Lumpas" to some motion to some of the scenes added a different vibe to previous productions that we've seen and it worked.

Thus this version of Urinetown was a successful reminder of what a great musical it is. Energetic songs and a relevant storyline make it a happier night at the theatre than Little Sally might think. Worth seeking out.

Hail Malthus!

Review: Stephen Oliver

Tickets: www.ticketsource.co.uk/first-act-limited

Location: Jubilee Theatre NE3 3XT