OUR HOUSE- THE MADNESS MUSICAL

Wow Youth Musical Theatre

Weymouth Pavilion

AT first glance, this is a jukebox musical - and indeed it was written to showcase the music of the pop group Madness who were at their height in the late 70’s and the 80’s.

However, this show is so much more than a jukebox musical as it cleverly weaves the music of Madness around a story of love, family values and the consequences of making the right and wrong decisions in life.

This particular portrayal of the story, written by Tim Firth of Calendar Girls fame, is fun and stuffed full of skilled, high energy performances.

It is impossible to remember at times that all of those on stage are still at school or college, and their energy never wavers from the opening scene until curtain down.

The choreography is superb, and the cast doesn’t put a foot wrong. Their enthusiasm for taking part in this show is infectious, and you will find yourself laughing and also wiping away a tear or two.

The show opens on Joe Casey’s 16th birthday where, in an effort to impress his girlfriend Sarah, he has to make a decision between choosing the right or the wrong path and like his father before him, he knows that his choice will have far-reaching implications as to how his life will actually turn out.

It is a real ‘Sliding Doors’ moment and from that time we are shown two versions of his life, one good and one bad.

Our House introduces the audience to the concept of right versus wrong, and as we follow Joe through his options we are in effect following two storylines. The staging – with its black door and white door – and Joe’s black or white clothing aids the helps the story-telling of those two pathways.

The lead characters, Isaac Bates and Liv Rose, play Joe and Sarah exquisitely, each showing both humour and pathos and their vocals and musicality are excellent.

The number of costume changes that Joe has is astounding, and Our House actually reached the Guinness Book of Records for the highest number of costumes changes for one character; there are 37 for Isaac and the wardrobe team to master!

The band, led by ultra-talented musical director, Jessamy Bowditch, is perfect.

Martyn Knight, an experienced and award-winning director and choreographer, aided by Paul Jones, has surpassed himself with this show.

Congratulations must go to every person working backstage, and to the sound engineers and the lights crew; without them all, the show would not go on.

If you like the music of Madness you need to watch Our House.

And if you are not a Madness fan, but enjoy watching the young people of south Dorset delivering a show showing strong vocals, humour, pathos, and excellent characterisation, then you too should book a ticket.

It would of course be MADNESS to miss it.

Tickets are available for Wednesday, November 13 to  Saturday, November 16 at 7pm with a Saturday matinee at 2pm from the Pavilion online or telephone 01305 783225.