REDCLIFFE - WORKSHOP PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Last night I attended the premiere workshop performance of Jordan Luke Gage's 'Redcliffe' as part of the new 'MT Fest 2024' at the Turbine Theatre.

When reading this review it is worth considering that the show in it's current state is the entirety of act 1, and of course they are standing at music stands with scores in their hands, as this is more of a workshop setting.

The writing in this new musical is impeccable, all written by West End star Jordan Luke Gage with orchestrations by Ben Ferguson and Ben Tomalin which complimented Gage's writing beautifully and if Act 1 has a score so great with some fantastic songs, I can't wait to hear the rest.

Based on the true events of William Critchard and Richard Arnold in 1753 and their forbidden love - during the time of the persecution people faced for hundreds of years, this story is very hard hitting, yet has some brilliant comedy moments tied in their too. Such a heart-felt show and It can only get better with the remaining act to be created. I believe this is going to be a fan favourite musical!

Jordan Luke Gage took on the role of William Critchard, playing the character with honesty and care. The character of William has a range of fantastic numbers throughout the first act, and Gage uses his powerhouse vocal talent to really show himself off here (and it works!). At the end of the show you could see the joy pouring out of Jordan's face as he must have been thinking "I did it!" and he should be extremely proud of what he has created thus far!

William's lover, Richard - was played by James Darch, who also had some wonderful vocal moments, but also a lovely character that has both funny moments and heartfelt moments. The pair had fantastic chemistry onstage.

Another standout for me was the phenomenal talent that is Rebecca Lock. Playing William's mother, she brought a incredible energy to the stage as well as her stunning vocals. Every moment Lock is onstage, it is really impossible to look elsewhere, she hits every single comedy line with impeccable comedic timing and knows how to really make the audience laugh. This is both a well written role, but also a perfect casting choice with Rebecca Lock and I do hope she remains with the shows further development, and she is jus fantastic. Following the end of Act 1, Lock sang another song, from Act 2 named 'Hurricane' and it was gorgeous!

The remainder of the cast included Ellie McAspurn, Jess Douglas-Welsh, Rees Parry, Elena Buck, Emma Lindars, Chris Fung and Jonny Peniket. All of whom were fantastic bringing the new music of 'Redcliffe' to life.

Of course, as this is a workshop production, I feel the rating for something of this great quality deserves 4 stars, and I really think with the rest of the show put together It really could well be a 5 star production, and I cannot wait to see what Jordan Luke Gage and the team do with this musical.

7th February 2024

Robbie Davies | Robbie's Backstage Bants