Walking into the grungy, transformed Phoenix Arts Club, with haze filling the air and the likes of Paramore and My Chemical Romance playing, the audience are immediately transported into a world perfect for teenage rebels.
Taylor Jay Productions’ latest project, ‘Spring Awakening’—featuring iconic music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater, may be set in the late 19th century, but its themes of sexuality, academic pressure, and social norms resonate as strongly today as ever. Set in a small German town, the story follows a group of teenagers whose lives are crushed under the weight of adult repression, leading to tragic outcomes. This musical, which has won eight Tony Awards (including Best Musical), also recently had a concert version performed at the Victoria Palace Theatre with the original London cast, 15 years after its premiere.
Though the Phoenix Arts Club may not boast the grandeur of the Victoria Palace Theatre, director Tara Noonan’s thrust staging effectively immersed the audience, allowing a deep connection with each character. Designer Ryan Webster’s use of wooden pallets and buckets of corn subtly hinted at the period and setting, though it may have been nice to see some more real elements, particularly the tombstones in Act 2, to anchor Melchior’s references. Webster’s costume design cleverly blended 19th-century elements with modern touches like Doc Martens and plaid shirts, although the costume changes during the final song, where some actors put on denim jeans or jackets, felt a little out of place. Was this a symbol of the narrative’s cyclical nature, still relevant today?
Noonan’s direction was both fresh and energetic. The production moved with a sense of urgency, with slick transitions ensuring the pace never flagged. A special mention to the portrayal of the teachers as almost pantomime-like villains, which added a layer of dark humour. Charlie Hills’ lighting design enhanced the intimacy of certain scenes while amplifying the alternative rock vibe of the music. The duality in ‘Don’t Do Sadness/Blue Wind’, contrasting Moritz and Ilse, was especially striking. While Sheik and Sater’s music is already iconic, musical director Ben Ward deserves praise for the tight, spine-tingling harmonies. However, at times, the band’s volume overpowered the underscored dialogue, making it difficult to catch every word.
Meadhbh Lyon’s choreography made excellent use of the space, with ‘Totally F***ed’ standing out as a playful, high-energy number that was clearly as fun to perform as it was to watch.
This production marked the debut of Taylor Jay Productions’ Platform Programme for new talent, offering performers a glimpse into a professional process, and Spring Awakening proved an ideal choice. The production allowed each performer to shine, with Callum Bultitude as Moritz standing out for his portrayal of the character’s vulnerability and desperation from the outset. Elliot Butler anchored the production as Melchior, effectively conveying the character’s determination to question the status quo. Olivia Mae Ward’s crystal-clear vocals were another highlight, though her acting occasionally felt a little timid.
Special mention must go to Jack Arnold, whose portrayal of Hanschen had a unique intensity with impeccable comic timing that delighted the audience, particularly during the ‘Milk’ scene in Act 2. Charlie Dougal’s charmingly innocent Ernst and his rendition of ‘Touch Me’ were genuinely moving. I appreciated the director’s choice to keep Ilse present as an outcast throughout much of the play, with Rowan MacPherson capturing the childlike essence beautifully, particularly in ‘Don’t Do Sadness/Blue Wind’, alongside Bultitude. Alfie Aves, as a swing, was consistently engaging, and Noa Shakhar and Eoin Callaghan deserve commendation for their multi-rolling as all the adult characters, bringing distinct nuances to each role.
Overall, this production was energetic, captivating, and deeply immersive. The standard of performance was exceptionally high, and we eagerly anticipate seeing how these talents develop in the future.
Spring Awakening runs at the Phoenix Arts Club until Sunday 25th August. For tickets and more information, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)
gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Danny Kaan
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