Based on Tom Fletcher’s 2017 book of the same name, he and playwright Miranda Larson combine to bring the McFly singer’s book to the stage. The Creakers is a story about strange creatures with an affinity for the rubbish people throw away daily, but cause havoc one day when all the adults in the fictional town of Whiffington mysteriously disappear. Are they foes, or simply misunderstood? Truthfully we never really get a clear picture as to the answer.
The Creakers themselves as beings don’t really have any real substantial buildup, they are mentioned in passing as characters of some degree of notoriety, and then they’re just kind of “there” from the end of the first act onwards. It would have been beneficial to have seen even a touch more world and lore building, as we as an audience don’t really develop much of a sense of anticipation or connection with regard to the titular creatures or their relevance. That said, the puppetry of the Creakers, developed by Lyndie and Sarah Wright, is charming and well executed.
In terms of set and props, the show has a distinct creative personality, Andrew Exeter very much having sustainability as the primary focus, with much of this being made largely of recycled materials, hugely fitting given the subject matter of the show. Costumes though are a bit of a mishmash, Ryan Dawson Laight seemingly having instructed the cast to turn up in fancy dress. There is some wonderful choreography by director Tom Jackson Greaves, though I was slightly puzzled by the absence of tap shoes during an impressive, complex tap number, as this rather diminished its impact, removing the traditional, audibly percussive accompaniment to the steps, which was a real shame.
Music by Fletcher is well written, especially the vocal ensemble moments which at times are truly breathtaking; however the lyrics and book feel overtly juvenile in their composition and execution, even for a show aimed at a family audience. It does feel somewhat patronising to treat younger audiences as if they can’t handle strong lyrical content, with puerile toilet humour seeming to be the default here. Furthermore, there is a distinct tonal inconsistency, as at times it feels like a CBeebies special, and others giving a darker, more brooding quality, with an overall uncertainty as to the show’s overall artistic identity.
The main major positive though is the cast, who deserve a great deal of adulation, especially with regard to their vocals. Eloise Davies as Lucy gave a powerful musical performance, and Rakesh Boury as dad Larry was wonderfully sincere, and delivered a wonderful, smooth baritone. Not all acting choices were convincing, though this is likely down to Greaves’ frankly childish directorial style. This was a piece that had potential, but sadly it largely fell flat, with a good score let down by poor lyrics and book, and lack of a solid creative vision.
The Creakers runs at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre until 5th January.
★★☆☆☆ (2*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Pamela Raith
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