Congrats should go the PR team of Dusk, I guess, for making this production a complete sell-out, (this early?!) via the viral wonders of Tik Tok, whatever that is!
But is it any good? Well, yes and no.
Firstly, I must profess to being a 50+ man, knowing absolutely nothing about the show Twilight upon which this is based, never watched a single episode, but with an open mind I take a seat amongst the 20-something sea of hormones. Feeling very much like an old cod.
Missing every reference, every in-joke, every internet discussion group thread meant that the audience were in howls of laughter around me. And well, I wasn’t.
However, I have to say, I was blown away by the sheer energy and commitment of this large cast but in particular by the performance of Eva-Marie Blaire as Bia (Bella in the original films I assume?), who’s acting and singing were line and note perfect, no more so than in her stunning solo of the haunting, Not Like Other Girls. I do worry that her lips won’t last the run though with all the munching and nibbling she does on them!
There is also evidence of some good direction ideas at work; the quirky set changes and slick staging, the upright bed reminiscent of Rocky Horror and the lying down in the wooded glade scene, and the all-in-black stage helpers who ghosted in and out of the production very quietly and efficiently. I was also pleasantly surprised by the quality of the script by Morgan Kennedy and particularly by the music from Daniel Ruffing which brought this all together.
What was much less pleasant was the constant loud ventilation fan noise, which never let up, plus the various tech problems on the sound side of the show. Oh, and the auditorium was incredibly hot. I think I’m beginning to sound like Victor Meldrum!
If you are of a certain age and loved Twilight your going to love this, probably. If you can get a ticket and if Bia still has lips left!
Reviewer: Greg Holstead
Reviewed: 10th August 2023
North West End UK Rating: