Filling the stage of the Quays Theatre is a stellar cast of gifted young performers and musicians, presenting Worn Out, a new musical brought to stage with the help of British Youth Music Theatre. This one-act musical tells the story of the fictional kingdom of Zloriv, based on Eastern European countries of the 18th century, that is unjustly ruled by King Kasimir who is more likely to look out for himself over his people. When not ruling, King Kasimir struggles to keep on top of his twelve rebellious Princess daughters, who act as the protagonists of this story. But when one of their regular outings into the local village reveals the truth of life for the local townspeople under their father’s rule – how will they support their fellow villagers?
Our show is centred around a band of sisters, each with their own virtue and personality but all fiercely loyal to each other. The sisterly bond was evident throughout the cast, with the mixed age group all excelling in both their singing and acting abilities. Meg Barnett drives the show as Myrene, showing powerful vocals that can hold the audience whilst also being able to handle the more emotional acting scenes of the character’s arc. Another performer who left an impression was Islay Woolfenden whose beautiful voice and subtle acting helped bring the role of Felicity to life, and Scarlett Gillis as Katharina whose comedic timing helped them to stand out within group scenes.
Outside of the clan of sisters, Hannah Page is a particular standout as Jarmila who leads the rebels as part of the resistance against King Kasimir. From powerful yet expertly controlled vocals to well-crafted character development work, Hannah shows great potential. Her calibre of performance felt synonymous with that of a West End production and signifies a bright future for the actor. Earning multiple bouts of laughter from the audience, the King’s unreliable trio of Lords; Hansel, Pablo and Oskar played by Evan Bailey-Tupper, Imogen Luker and Evander Oliver respectively.
Simple colour-based costumes helped to give each of the sisters their own personality, Jida Akil excelling here and with the costumes of the townspeople. Akil also helped create the fictional world through an ingenious set design, although simplistic, it was still able to create multiple locations throughout the show with ease. Effective prop use and thoughtful staging from director Francesca Goodridge helped to keep the fairytale impression that the show aligns with.
Throughout the performance, our story was perfectly supported by pitch perfect musical accompaniment led by Musical Director Bianca Fung. Impressive that the band also included two youth instrumentalists with Tia Timms on clarinet and Emelyn McCann on violin. Able to tap into the range of music within the show, composed by co-writer Meg McGrady, was the impactful choreography from Paul Smetthurst that brought energy to group numbers and tapped into the folklore of the period.
Last, but by no means least, the ability to weave in the story of protest, duty, responsibility and standing up for what you believe to be right is no easy feat, but something Zoe Morris and Meg McGrady excel in. This story can be enjoyed by all ages, and even though set in a time period long ago – still just as important in modern day. This collaboration with British Youth Music Theatre not only gives this story a chance to be told on stage, but acts as the perfect platform to catapult the future of musical theatre talent in the UK.
Worn Out concludes a limit run at the Quays Theatre at The Lowry until August 3rd, with tickets for remaining dates available here: https://thelowry.com/whats-on/british-youth-music-theatre-worn-out-4tt3
Reviewer: Harry Alty
Reviewed: 1st August 2025
North West End UK Rating: