Hull New Theatre was very well-attended on Tuesday night, in anticipation of Hessle Theatre Company’s production of Our House.
I know from past experience this amateur company can produce some very professional work; and I gladly gave top marks to their versions of Shrek the Musical and Made In Dagenham. Would Our House elicit the same response from my reviewer’s pen?
This award-winning West End musical featuring hit songs from the band Madness, begins with Kath Casey (Katherine Fitzgerald) informing her boyfriend (Neal Edlin) that she is pregnant.
Fast forward 16 years and their boy, Joe (Connor Wilson) is at a crossroads in his young life.
On the one hand he wants to make something of his life and not end up like his good-for-nothing (in his eyes) Dad; but on the other, he is finding it increasingly difficult to avoid temptations which would lead him up the wrong path.
Luckily for us we are treated to both scenarios.
His life plays out against a very atmospheric stage setting throughout. The brick buildings alongside his home in Casey Street, effortlessly change to a pub scene, solicitors’ offices, Las Vegas and a young offenders’ institution to name but a few of the locations that have an impact on Joe’s existence.
And a car scene in which Joe drives his friends around, and out of, the world, would have been perfect, but for a little hiccup on the backdrop. I’m sure that won’t happen again in future performances.
Many Madness hits litter this energetic production – Baggy Trousers, My Girl, Night Boat To Cairo, House Of Fun, It Must Be Love and, of course, Our House – accompanied by live music from very talented musicians.
It’s impossible not to feel sorry for young Joe – if he tries to do the right thing, it will leave him with the stigma of a spell in a young offenders’ institution, meaning it will be very hard to find a sympathetic employer to give him a chance.
If he gives in to temptation, he is faced with the horror of someone he loves dearly, being killed because of his actions.
We desperately want him to make a success of his life – a life with Sarah (Rachel Wheatley), the girl he loves.
Hessle Theatre Company’s energetic ensemble perfectly portrayed happy chaos as well as sombre moments, and each and every one looked very happy to be entertaining us; and each deserve to have their names in print.
Alas, lack of space allows me to only mention the main protagonists, Wilson and Wheatley. Wilson, as Joe, was word perfect with a loud and clear singing voice and his energy knew no bounds. Wheatley’s singing voice was simply wonderful and both did more than justice to any song they sang.
My reviewer’s eye noticed quite a few lighting hit-and-misses in which the actors’ faces remained in the shadow for stretches; and microphone glitches cropped up from time to time.
However, overall, everyone involved with this production did a marvellous job, thoroughly deserving the loud cheers from an appreciative audience as the curtain fell.
Running until Saturday, April 22nd, 2023; 7.30pm nightly except Saturday, 22nd, 2pm and 7pm. Tickets from £15. Call (01482) 300306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk
Reviewer: Jackie Foottit
Reviewed: 18th April 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★