BWW Reviews: DOGFIGHT, Old Joint Stock Birmingham, August 5 2015

Adapted from the 1991 film, Dogfight premiered Off-Broadway in 2012 and, riding off the back of its short run, won two awards including 'Outstanding Musical' the following year. The European debut featured at the Southwark Playhouse last year and has enjoyed several regional productions since. The musical is currently playing at the beautiful Old Joint Stock in Birmingham which is a perfect setting for a stunning show.

With a book by Peter Duchan and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the show centres around three US marines who have a bet whereby whoever can bring the ugliest girl to the party wins. Key protagonist Birdlace invites Rose whom he meets in a diner but soon regrets his decision when he realises he is falling for her.

There are a couple of different threads during the show that greatly complement one another from a storytelling perspective; the military camaraderie and relationships between the men and also the blossoming love story. Adam Carver demonstrates experience beyond his years as director of this piece. The Old Joint Stock has a narrow playing space when the audience is seated on three sides and yet no viewer suffered on visibility wherever they were sat. The script has clearly been pulled apart and reconstructed to allow the performers to own their characters and hence their characterisation of the said roles. This is particularly evident with the female lead, Rose. There is nowhere to hide in the intimate venue and the audience are solely reliant on the performances to carry the story. The set consists of an American flag made up of posters and newspapers which extends out into the main playing area. As efficient as this is in setting the tone of the show, the actors are on their own!

The jazz hands are most definitely on hold in this production! The material is gritty and edgy and would appeal to a much wider audience. The music style draws influence from artists such as Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie and has an almost folky-feel. This said, musically it is very challenging in parts and it is a credit to Carver (who also acts as musical director), vocal coach Alanna Boden and the Old Joint Stock Musical Theatre Company on how they have tackled the material.

There are no weak links in this eleven-strong company; as an ensemble they work flawlessly. Nicholas Tuck, Richard Haines and Karl Steele make up the 'three bees' as Birdlace, Boland and Bernstein respectively. Testosterone fuelled, the solidarity and chemistry between them is fantastic. Tuck as Eddie (Birdlace) gives a solid and focused performance throughout. The only notable thing I'd like to have felt more was the moment the switch flips when he realises he shouldn't have brought Rose along to the 'dogfight'. Hannah Kilroy, who plays Rose, is an absolute joy from start to finish. She is slightly goofy, a bit awkward but has a heart of gold and she has this portrayal down to a fine art. Vocally, she sounds beautiful too making her the whole package. Another noteworthy and sassy performance comes from Sacha Savory as Marcy, the prostitute being paid for her services to ensure Boland wins the bet. Her rendition of the title number with Kilroy is a showstopper.

The action sequence towards the end of Act Two could do with tightening up a little and playing the stakes a bit higher but all of the tools are there to make it a superb production. It is an excellent show which I would happily return to.

Dogfight plays at the Old Joint Stock Theatre until Sunday 16th August 2015.

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