FANGIRLS – Lyric Theatre Hammersmith

Welcome to the world of Boy Band mania, FANGIRLS is set within a time when girls dream about love romance and yes their pop idols. “Its journey started in 2015 when Zayn Malik leaves One Direction” and Yve Blake is inspired to capture this moment in a book describing the feelings of young girls in a crazy tumultuous time in their lives, as young teenagers. Now it is a musical premiering in London and has hit the scene with a bang.  

This vibrant cast bring to life the tunes, the funny and the serious side to ‘growing up’ as young teens, idolising ‘pop icons’ peer relationships and the need to feel love, being pivotal milestones. In between the mayhem and madness is a message that ‘young people’s feelings’ should not be underestimated.    

This production had visuals that were unique, backdrop of faces and voices similar to being on a Zoom screen of girls and boys singing with the cast, and facial expressions of changing emotions. This was captivating, there were times if you should be watching the acting on stage or focussing on the faces in the screens. Either way it is a feast for your eyes.

The opening scene of the two cast members on the bike, with pitch perfect voices and acting gusto gives you a flavour as to what to expect throughout: Bounding energy, flashing lights and school kid drama.   

The extenuated Australian accents elevated the funny lines to some degree, and for those who are of an age that remember neighbours, add to this rocket fuel. The cast were cohesive in their performance and you can feel their passion and love for one another to shine, just beautiful to observe. The relationship between Edna played by Jasmine Elcock and Harry, Thomas Grant threads through the story lines and keeps this story on track. All characters had their part to play Salty (Terique Jarrett) Brianna (Miracle Chance) and Jules (Mary Malone) the annoying one, we all love a character, and she did not disappoint. All the cast members and ensembles gave an amazing inspiring performance. They moved through the scenes cohesively, the staging although minimal, it was enough to set the scenes. Ebony William’s Choreography was fun, enabling each character to shine creating the true feel of being at a pop concert.

The score featured songs, Let Them, Nobody, Don’t Exist, Silly Little Girl which in a sweet funny way communicated the plight of how they must feel at times. The stand out feature was the cast and their passion to be present and elevate their individual performance and get this right, and they certainly did that. This musical has a 12+ rating the language is colourful at times although very funny it could be questionable of the appropriate age range. The lighting bright and the sounds loud, the theatre was full, the audience were engaged and loving the high flying energy being created by the cast.

This musical already has a following and will appeal to many audiences alike across the globe. This is an inspiring high octane musical which captures your heart through the lives of girls and their desires for their first love experience and pop idolism. ‘Beautifully crafted’ by Yve Blake, and the production team which is a true testament to the writing, music and all the creatives who have put this musical together. Fabulously infectious!  

Reviewer: Michelle Knight

Reviewed: 23^rd July 2024  

North West End UK Rating: