I’ve lost count of the number of four-hander chamber musicals / song cycles I’ve seen, most involving the relationships of 20 or 30-somethings, mostly American. This is refreshingly British and more random in its themes, though the writers have taken their inspiration from our search for perfect endings or new beginnings. It’s also an extraordinary showcase for the talent of writers Ben Barrow and Lucy Ireland, who only graduated two years ago, and wrote this in lockdown over zoom.
The four performers play multiple characters who tell their stories in song, from childhood friendship to adult relationships through work & careers and, well, life’s many experiences. I struggled with the concept and decided to settle down and enjoy each story and each song individually, experiencing it as a song cycle. They were beautifully sung by Nicola Espallardo, Aidan Harkins, Grace Mount and Andrew Patrick-Walker, with only the occasional touch of over-singing, and fine accompaniment from Ian Oakley’s trio.
It was a delightful 70 minutes from two very promising new writers from whom I can’t wait to hear more.
Gareth's Culture and Travel Blog 