UK Review- Tick Tick Boom

Tick Tick Boom –Menier Chocolate Factory Theatre

 

 

I first saw Jonathan Larson's three hander musical in 2001 in New York. I was immediately taken with the show – as it was moving, funny and superbly performed. The songs had an instant classic quality about them and it wasn't long before I purchased the soundtrack. In fact it was on the way out of the Jane St Theatre!

 

 

Tick Tick is now in London. It stars Christian Campbell as Jonathan, a sensitive young writer who is fast approaching thirty- worried that he will never amount to anything. He dreams of being a successful composer but fears selling out and living a life based on compromise. We also meet his headstrong girlfriend, Susan (Cassidy Janson) and best friend Michael (Tee Jaye) who has given up acting, selling his dream for a career in marketing.  

 

 

The late Jonathan Larson has crafted a fantastic piece about dreams, ambitions and how time has a way of changing your whole outlook on life. He died before the opening of his hit musical Rent, so it is wonderful to see this small, intimate piece as it reminds us all of what a remarkable talent he was.

 

 

How fitting then to see three wonderful performers give such polished faultless performances bringing resonance to this wonderful work. Campbell makes you care about Jonathan. He moves round the intimate space – making and gaining eye contact from the audience, constantly drawing you into the guy's plight. You want Jonathan to succeed and this talented performer ensures that you are entertained and involved. His singing voice is superb and his energy is infectious. He is superbly supported by Janson- her singing voice is so powerful – that you cannot help but think she will be a leading lady in the West End soon. Jaye delivers a poignant performance as the marketing guy who seems to have the money and success but a bleak future.   

 

 

Scott Schwartz's direction is faultless. He makes the most of a very small space by allowing the performers to sing directly to the audience, this makes the piece far more poignant and believable than many bigger shows.

 

 

The songs are all excellent but standouts include 30:90 about the constant tick, tick sound you hear as 30 approaches, Green Green Dress- a sexy little number and Therapy a great 'argument in song' delivered with panache by both Campbell and Janson.

 

The Menier Chocolate Factory theatre and its superb space compliment this production. It is quaint, inviting, yet extremely intimate. It is also great value for money- £10 for a Saturday matinee!

 

 

Tick Tick Boom involves you at every turn, it makes you laugh, cry and feel totally invigorated as you leave the theatre. Seeing it once is not enough!  

 

 

Tick Tick Boom is running until 3^rd September. For further details go to: www.menierchocolatefactory.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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