SuperYou – Lyric Theatre

Katie is a young girl struggling to find her way in the world, overwhelmed by self-doubt, and feeling that her older brother, Matty, a talented comic book artist, is their mother’s favourite. Mother is dealing with her own difficulties. Domestic abuse has led to the break-up of the family and frequent house moves. The mother’s eventual spiral into alcoholism results in her losing job after job leaving her daughter to care and provide for her. Like her brother, Katie has a talent for art and immerses herself in drawing, in particular developing her own comic book character, Lightning Girl. With her brother’s encouragement, she creates a team of superheroines who she literally brings to life.  In dealing with life’s problems and losses, she learns to love herself and have faith in her own abilities. Along the way, Katie finds she can not only defeat her own demons, but can have an impact on those around her, helping her group of real-life “misfits” discover their own voice and inner strength. Everyone can be their best you, “SuperYou”.

The show is perfectly cast, led by Lucie Jones as shy Katie and Aaliyah Monk as Young Katie. The “Boltz”, Lightning Girl’s team of SuperHeroines (played by Joni Ayton-Kent, Sharon Ballard, Lourds Lane and Jenny O’Leary) are certainly not “side-kicks” or backing singers, each being given a beautifully distinct character and voice by the performers.

The songs are an eclectic mix of rock and pop, with soulful ballads and a smattering of other musical styles, a bit of jazz, blues and country. As well as writing the book, music and lyrics, Lane also plays a mean electric violin, voicing “Rise” through her music. The use of a digital backdrop to provide the set, show drawings of the comic book characters and social media feeds, is inspired and not overused.

SuperYou is not without its flaws. The opening number, while visually setting the scene of high angst and rage against the bullies of the world, is played and sung at such an unrelenting volume that the lyrics become indistinguishable. There are a couple of other songs where this is also an issue. Maybe the sound balance is off, because the singers’ diction is otherwise excellent. There’s also a certain lack of subtlety. Matty’s comic book character is called M-Power. Katie’s nightmare monster is MiRoar, who she eventually comes to realise is…. no spoilers, but it’s a groanworthy cliche of a plot point, jarring with the otherwise imaginative nature of the show. Where SuperYou shines though is in its quieter, more reflective moments, the beats which show the characters developing inner strength and growth and dealing with emotional issues.

With its focus on the themes of kindness and inclusivity, SuperYou is a show that has a timeless and timely message. Its success – driven by online content and innovative staging on pick-up trucks at a drive-in in the US during the pandemic – has created an international cult following. This is a high-octane show performed by a talented cast with a universal message of love and inclusivity.  A much-needed injection of joy in a world full of turmoil.

SuperYou was performed in concert at the Lyric Theatre for one-night only.

Reviewer: Carole Gordon

Reviewed: 15th November 2023

North West End UK Rating: