UK Review- The Big Life
By: Glenn Meads Aug. 16, 2005
The Big Life- Apollo Theatre,
With so many big West End shows seeming like a severe case of the emperor's new clothes as they are either hastily put together juke box musicals or song and dance versions of films, it is wonderful to see something that is truly original.
The Big Life was first seen at Stratford's Theatre Royal. It has since proved to be such a big crowd puller that it transferred to the West End in May of this year. You may think this is no big deal- after all lots of mediocre shows transfer. It is when you consider that this is the first musical about black life made in the UK and performed in the West End. Refreshing too when you consider how many 'original' musicals are currently playing in London.
This vibrant musical follows the lives of a group of Caribbean immigrants. We witness their highs and lows as they try to integrate into British society whilst still retaining their roots and identity. Rather than being a downbeat musical fall of maudlin numbers about life's struggles- the whole feel of this show is upbeat and quite life affirming.
There is also a great variety of strong characters for the audience to empathise with and cheer on from the stalls. Claudia Cadette shines as Kathy- the prim and proper young woman in appearance but strong, independent, feisty woman in reality. As she belts out "Ain't Nothing Hotter" you will feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Jason Pennycooke is another scene stealer as a singing Eros (very apt as the theatre is near the Piccadilly statue) and he also whips up a storm on the dance front – doubling as the show's choreographer also. But to be honest the whole ensemble are amazing.
Laugh out loud comedy is provided by a character called Mrs Aphrodite played by the very talented Tameka Empson. If you have seen the film, Beautiful Thing – you will recognise this wonderful actress. Just like her turn in that film, she will have you in hysterics all over again as a heckling old dear talking about everything from sex, accents and hilariously the 'Virgina Monologues.'
Paul Joseph's wonderful songs keep the show buoyant and the narrative, although slim ticks along nicely thanks to these wonderful tunes. At times the mood of the piece becomes a bit muddled. There is a particularly sad scene towards the end of act two which is quickly resolved rather hurriedly via another upbeat song. This does appear a bit clumsy and would have worked better in act one.
Paul Sirett's script is incredibly funny and fresh. The cast all look as if they are having an absolute ball delivering these witty lines backed by Paul Joseph's evocative score. Clint Dyer ensures that this musical does not outstay its welcome by filling the stage with key characters at all times. Big Life is such an original and heartfelt piece that you will be totally immersed by it. This show offers the audience something completely different and downright entertaining. For reason alone, it deserves to continue to liven up the West End for some time to come. Any producers wanting to launch yet another juke box musical onto the stage should look to Big Life to see how originality beats pop by numbers without a narrative by a mile. Long live Big Life!
http://www.kenwright.com/index.php?page=shows&id=48
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