Digital Editor Tamzin Meyer praises What’s New Pussycat as one of the best musicals she has ever seen
I have been to many musicals and never have I ever been so impressed by a show as I was after seeing What’s New Pussycat at the Birmingham Rep. With a wondrous set, a sensational cast and humorous yet touching story, the musical had all of the components and more needed to make it a success. Never have I ever been so impressed by a show
The story centred around fashion designer, Mary Western, and her true love Tom Jones who both faced a series of obstacles that threatened their relationship. With Jones desperate to pursue a singing career and Mary’s mother disapproving of Jones as he had little money to his name, the audience was taken on a journey of love and heartbreak in the 1960’s. The jukebox musical cleverly based its plot around some of the Welsh legend, Sir Tom Jones’ most popular hits including songs like ‘It’s Not Unusual’, ‘Green Green Grass of Home’ and, of course, the title name ‘What’s New Pussycat?’ Any fan of the 60’s and Jones himself would have appreciated the colourful, patterned costumes and a true London style set that was covered in mod targets and similar symbols of a vibrant era.
Considering this is a new musical I did not expect the quality to be as good as those that have been touring for longer but I was highly mistaken. Each actor played their character to perfection; I almost believed we had travelled back in time due to how convincing the performances were. The audience was taken on a journey of love and heartbreak in the 1960’s
It is difficult to not reference the cast in its entirety when mentioning how talented the cast was. I fear words will not do their performance enough justice. Bronté Barbé’s (Mary) vocals were sensational, in fact, breath-taking, which was enhanced further when being accompanied by heartthrob Dominic Anderson’s (Tom Jones) vocals. Adding to this, Ashley Campbell embraced the role of Mr Partridge and provided a beautiful touch of soul, winning over the audience’s hearts. With songs sung to perfection with joyous dance numbers choreographed by Arlene Phillips, one would be forgiven for thinking that they had taken a trip to the West End.
Rebekah Hinds’ character The Girl in the Polka Dot Dress was perhaps my favourite of all. She contributed to several hilarious, comedic scenes making the audience instantly fall in love with her ‘girl next door’ personality. Her character showed a side of vulnerability behind a smiling face which led her to finally open up by the end of the musical – this being a perfect side story to that of Mary and Tom’s. His performance was frightening at times due to how believable his character was
A surprising yet highly deserving performance came from a member of the ensemble; in a role that would perhaps usually be overlooked, Lemuel Knights’ rendition of ‘Delilah’ was by far the most entertaining musical number. Playing the role of convict Big Mickey, he made for a very convincing murderer, portraying the madman to perfection. His performance was frightening at times due to how believable his character was – at times when we wanted to laugh we thought it better not in fear of becoming Mickey’s next victim. Knights’ owned the stage in his small yet very influential role.
Every last detail of the musical was perfected with the audience giving the cast the praise they so rightly deserved, providing a standing ovation, clapping and singing along to every number. Not one seat was empty, with every person being on their feet at the end of the show – a rarity for any matinee performance yet alone one for a new musical. Whilst the musical is yet to announce a UK tour its destiny is clear – What’s New Pussycat? will soon be a much-loved musical across the nation, giving any Andrew Lloyd Webber musical a run for its money.
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