I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

Photo Credit: Alan Martin/AMSI

Reviewed by:  Wendy Newton on Sunday 17 March 2013
Venue: Greenbank Theatre Southport
Type of Production:  Musical

Producer/Director:  Stephen Hughes- Alty
Musical Director:  Paul Williams
Choreographer: Jackie Morris

“And now for something completely different!!”

Well ..There could never be a more true word said in gest!

This is a Modern and Contemporary Musical, with a theme based on relationships; from the young couple meeting on a first date, through to two elderly singles falling for one another at a funeral!! The storyline contains so much food for thought, that along the way, the audience surely couldn't help recognising a small piece of themselves somewhere in the hilarious situations played out by the various characters.

The Show was originally written for a cast of only 4, but the very talented Director, Stephen Hughes-Alty, in his own in inimitable style, with great vision, made completely the right decision to cast the show with 22. I felt that by doing so, it helped to make sense of the storyline. All of the cast were suitably matched to the characters or couples that they were portraying, in fact I would run out of paper and congratulatory adjectives, describing all of the individuals. Indeed there was some stunning performances, but particularly memorable was the live “Video Diary” by Lauren Murphy, having the ability to turn timidity into laughter, despair and literally tears, it was a stunning performance.

Jackie Morris (Choreographer) was really creative and the movement was neat, precise, full of energy, but also well within the capabilities of the company.

All were in fine voice, didn't seem to put a note wrong and I must say that the diction was great. The songs in this show need a well drilled cast with strong musical ability, but all were truly spot on, guided and conducted by the very talented Paul Williams (Musical Director), who has an amazing ability to produce the sound of a full orchestra with just Keyboard and Violin!

The overall staging, including the Sound and Lighting, was excellent; with effective use of props and mobile scenery along with the well thought out colour co-ordinated costume theme, really topped off a superb all round achievement by all concerned.

Congratulations and well done to the whole company.