BWW Reviews: DEAD DOG IN A SUITCASE (AND OTHER LOVE SONGS), Birmingham Rep, September 29 2015

For thirty years now, Kneehigh have been creating original, innovative pieces of theatre. Over this time, they have grown to an international scale and have built a solid reputation for quality which any theatre company would be envious of. Earlier this year saw Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca being given the Kneehigh treatment and to massive acclaim. This continues to tour whilst Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs) is starting out on its UK tour.

Loosely based on John Gay's musical satire The Beggar's Opera, Mike Shepherd expertly directs an extraordinary cast of actor-musicians who guide us through the story of contract killer Macheath, and all of the trouble he gets himself into and the trail he leaves in his wake. He kills Mayor Goodman so Les Peachum can become Mayor, then marries Peachum's daughter in secret to massive distaste from her parents. But then there's Lucy Lockit, the chief of police's daughter whom he's impregnated. There's plenty going on, all set to a brilliantly eclectic musical soundtrack composed by Charles Hazlewood.

Hazlewood takes the audience on a musical journey dating back to folk music of the renaissance, running right through to present day with elements of punk, electro-pop, disco and ska. Usually this sort of mix only works if it is done for a specific cause and in this production it works fantastically. Carl Grose's book adaptation adds to the representation of the unsettled world we currently live in as well as the unrest felt in 1728 when The Beggars Opera was written - its relevance is further embellished by Kneehigh's flair and style.

Shepherd's direction allows the entirety of Michael Vale's open set to be explored. The wings are wide open so costume rails and props tables are exposed but the key set piece is the steel grid type structure which gets climbed all over and utilised impeccably, with the addition of split level platforms and a slide to stage level. Malcolm Rippeth's lighting is then embedded in and around this structure creating some stunning images. Ian Davies' sound design is also vastly important in this piece with the mixture of non-amplified and amplified material. The musical balance is imperative and this equilibrium is demonstrated to perfection.

The entire performing company provide a masterclass in how to capture and hold an audience's attention. There is an intensity running through all of the performances which must be remarkably difficult to sustain throughout but it is accomplished with ease. Dominic Marsh as protagonist Macheath swaggers around the stage in his creepers and is every inch the leading man. Both fighting for his love and attention are Polly Peachum (played by Angela Hardie who gives a supremely beautiful performance) and Lucy Lockit (Beverly Rudd whose focus is unrivalled and her rendition of 'Ninja Butterfly' is phenomenal). Rina Fatania as Mrs Peachum is particularly amusing throughout and Jack Shalloo is an assured Filch/Terry with stunning vocals. A special mention must also be given to Puppet Director Sarah Wright, who is ultimately the Punch Puppeteer, but features heavily throughout. The execution of her material is so skilled and should be highly commended.

A class act as always. An unparalleled spectacle.

Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs) plays at Birmingham Rep until Saturday 3rd October and currently has tour dates across the country until December 2015.

To post a comment, you must register and login.