The Story of My Life, an award-winning Broadway musical makes its UK premiere at the Stage Door Theatre. With a book by Brian Hill and music and lyrics by Neil Bartram, this musical encompasses a whirlwind of emotions and experiences in its short 90 minute singular act. Directed by Robert McWeir, the intimate staging, deliberate creative choices, beautiful music and brilliant cast create a musical that's nothing short of pure theatrical bliss.
The Story of My Life revolves around the two best friends, Thomas (Tom) Weaver and Alvin Kelby, played by Markus Södergren and Tim Edwards respectively. Tom, a successful author, struggles to write a fitting eulogy for his closest late friend Alvin's funeral, and must revisit various moments from their childhood together with the help of a phantom Alvin, to find the perfect story to feature in the eulogy.
The two performers are both well-casted and deliver heartfelt performances. A particular shoutout to Edwards who joined and learnt the show in four days, following a sudden and unavoidable departure from George Renshaw.
Edwards, ironically, is the show's beating heart and makes the show such a success. From Alvin's wide eyed innocence and excitement as a child, to his delightful fascination and imagination as a teenager, and finally the weary and defeated adult, Edwards heartbreakingly and convincingly conveys this change. Edward's energy and genuine passion for being on stage is evident in his charming stage presence, and ability to ensure the entire audience empathise with him, joining his emotional rollercoaster. His song "Independence Day" is a remarkable scene, both as an actor and singer, and acts as the pivotal point in the musical.
Södergren as Tom, is a phenomenal performer and is utterly captivating to watch. A wonder to behold, his small mannerisms allow the character to feel so alive and it's clear that Södergren has star quality. Although Tom undergoes a less drastic change in character, the internal war between following his head or his heart is well portrayed and audiences can sympathise with him. Södergren drives the musical forward with his forceful actions and renders an excellent performance. Södergren is rightfully given more ballads and heavier numbers, and his solo "The Butterfly" is one of the show's best and most exquisite moments. Tom's increasing frustration and anger are contrasted well by Alvin withdrawing external displays of emotion, creating an unspoken tug of war between them.
The musical starts slow but unexpectedly touches upon several important and heavy themes with utmost care and consideration. Serving as a reminder of not only the loss of one's individuality, passion and childhood, but friends, family and inspirations along the way, The Story of My Life is a gorgeous tribute to every single moment and person that shapes a person. A beautiful abstract metaphor that has also been stretched to a literal meaning, is one's search to find the ultimate life changing and defining moments in life; the small sweeter moments that mould us the most are often missed. As Tom and Alvin quite literally tear through the books, aka stories, of their lives, the insignificant moments are admired but ultimately tossed aside.
Everything about this concept, from applying it to a childhood friendship, familial bonds and duty driven decisions, to the theatrical execution with actual books representing the solemn search for the moments, is excellent. A surprisingly warm play that creeps up on you with a slow but sure-footed ascent is a delightful watch, peppered with little tender moments that slowly chip away and leave you with a heart full of patience, warmth and love. The musical, which has consistently exceeded expectations, ensures that there's one final twist in store for the ending, ensuring the play not only touches you, but teaches you to new life lesson.
The band are present throughout, to the right of the stage and led by the extremely capable and impressive Aaron Clingham. The music is beautifully composed, always subtly lifting the words up into sweet melodies and moving numbers. Whilst the songs aren't show-stopping or even particularly catchy, they are a wonderful means of storytelling and are woven together to create a stunning soundtrack. The music acts as pleasant and gentle accompaniment to the fascinating book portion of the musical.
Whilst the space is quite small, a small dinner theatre venue where the audiences are sat at dining tables in a cosy room above a pub, the stage never feels restrictive for the piece and arguably this intimate staging brings out the best in the piece. The set (David Shields) features a large disjointed bookcase, desk, chair, podium and step ladder, all of which are painted white. Books have been rebound in white paper, making for an interesting set. Alvin, too, adorns a white suit, although whether to fit in with the set or to serve as a ghostly reminder of his death is left upto audience interpretation. Tom is dressed in a navy suit, and becomes the only source of colour for the show. (Janet Huckle).
The set starts right in front of audiences, but the actors also utilise the entire room, with certain scenes taking place around the audience. Alvin, a free spirit, often carefully runs through the audience, encouraging Tom to venture beyond the comfort zone of the stage, and this not only bodes well to understanding characters, but makes for an immersive theatre experience.
Shields has also cleverly incorporated significant objects from a few of the more meaningful story moments in the characters friendship, which lay hidden atop the bookshelf and are carefully only illuminated following these moments being recounted. The stage has a bluish-purple tint on the stage for a large portion of the show, but dilutes this with harsher white focused lighting on the characters, creating a visual ethereal atmosphere. (Richard Lambert).
The Story of My Life is a heartwarming and heart wrenching musical that will thaw even the coldest of hearts with its beautiful collection of moments, music, love and friendship. It is currently playing at the Stage Door Theatre until 19th of October. For more information and tickets, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Peter Davies
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