New musical play hits all the right notes with emotional songs and thought -provoking drama.
With so many shows being based around well-known hits these days, it’s refreshing to see a new musical play with original well-penned songs. Beat Productions present this multilayered show written by Andrea Orton and composed by Di Healey and Richard Badger. Lost in the Beat examines many issues, but mainly that of early onset dementia against a backdrop of well- constructed melodies and lyrics, performed by a fifteen-strong choir supporting the cast. What a super choir they are! This real community choir threw themselves into this project. A harmonious wall of sound with lovely smiling faces! Behind them, four excellent musicians.
Orton’s story is about a 45-year-old woman, a community choir leader, coming to terms with Alzheimer’s and showing us how singing can be cathartic and therapeutic. Perhaps a point that could have been even further developed.
The cast were led by Kate Harcus playing Rose, who realizes she is losing her memory but can’t share the devasting diagnosis with her husband and son. Harcus is natural and genuine, touching us with her sensitive performance and lovely singing voice. Husband Charlie wants to help and understand and is played believably by John Michael Rook’s strong delivery. His relationship with son Ryan (Sam Jones), was really well observed, giving us the right tempo and level. This family of three had a good dynamic, adding natural pathos to the piece. Rose’s fading memory and confusion means she often sees her dead mother (Cheryl Chamberlain) who was convincing vocally but perhaps needs a different wig? Cheryl also played the part of Shirley which was a nice contrast and added some humour. Shirley’s attraction to Matt, the choir’s pianist, is not reciprocated but Nick Munday shows us he’s kind, honest and a good friend to Rose.
In the fictional choir new girl Lorna (Nina Price) has a rich and very appealing vocal that really delivers in her two songs. Together with Megan, played by Erin-joy Laffan, we discover that both have issues in their backstories. Lorna has been bullied and Megan a victim of domestic violence. Again, there was a strong scene between them but maybe there wasn’t time to develop this sub-plot. The two ‘Mean girls ‘who give everyone grief at choir practice certainly got a few laughs but for me personally, although they had energy, their exaggeration needed a little more subtly in places.
Orton’s deals with some important subjects and within that we had some funny lines, but the emotional connection was found in the music, which had a real quality.
Director Abbey Fitzhenry did a sterling job getting everyone on to a small stage and making it work -musicians, choir and a realistic living room with some excellent props and set dressing. There was a good pace and rhythm to the piece and the lighting and sound enhanced the production.
Lost in the Beat is musically strong, hitting all the right notes, both thought-provoking and touching. This musical play has great potential and with a few tweaks here and there I’m sure will go on to find itself on a bigger stage.
Reviewer: Bev Clark
Reviewed: 3rd October 2023
North West End UK Rating: