Seussical The Musical
THEATRE REVIEW
Seussical The Musical
at Southwark Playhouse, London
"It is fun fun fun - and then some!"
Based on the works of Dr Seuss, but concentrating on Horton Hears A Who!, this show is a foot-stomping, hand-clapping, laugh-out-loud delight.
From the very beginning, the Cat In The Hat appears and cheekily pulls us into the Seuss-iverse. Marc Pickering plays the Cat with grace and confidence, a feline brimming with fun (and just a dash of naughtiness) although he could push the clowning a little further - flex his comedy muscles and be a tad more dangerous. I felt as though he is holding back from stealing the show.
That honour goes to Scott Paige. He plays Horton with humour, honesty and a purity that melts the heart. Amy Perry, playing Gertrude, breaks the heart with her yearning love for Horton and her stunning rendition of All For You.
There are some amazing set-pieces in the show which is crammed full of songs, music, comedy and, of course, dancing. The group numbers are performed in such volume and choreography like the show is in a huge West End venue - it all comes together best when James Tobias’ direction calms down and realises that the space is surprisingly intimate and that less is more.
This is a Theatre for Young Audiences Version, but does not hold back. The cast of twelve and live band give everything amidst a brilliant set and imaginative costumes. It is fun fun fun - and then some!
Photographer Adam Trigg
Producer Immersion Theatre
Director James Tobias
Choreography Chris Whittaker
Music & Book Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics & Book Lynn Ahrens
Co-Conceived by Eric Idle
Musical Director James Doughty
Set Designers Justin Williams & Jonny Rust
Costume Rachel Cartlidge
Venue Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway,
London SE1 6BD
Tube Elephant & Castle (Bakerloo and Northern Lines)
Performances Until Saturday 29th December 2018
Times 7.30pm Tuesday to Saturday
3pm Saturday and Sunday Matinees
Extra shows in Christmas week - check website for
details
Tickets £25 (concessions £20)
Box Office www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk and 020 7407 0234
Running Time 75 minutes (no interval)
Twitter @swkplay, @Immersion_Thtr, @SeussicalLondon