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