I’ve learned that if I want to see a creative, original show then the place to go is the Courtyard Theatre at Leeds Playhouse.
After the success of productions like ‘Piaf’ and ‘Quality Street’, they have dreamt up another beauty, this time an entirely original musical by David West Read, best known for his work on the TV show ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and the musical ‘& Juliet’.
‘In Dreams’ is based on the songs of Roy Orbison, the ‘soul of rock’ or the ‘Big O’ as he is also known. The story follows former singing sensation Kenna, and her search for a final, joyous send off after a recent cancer diagnosis.
The whole show is set in a Mexican restaurant that specialises in uplifting parties that celebrate the loves and lives of the recently deceased. Kenna loves the concept so much that she asks the restaurant to throw one just for her, controversially whilst she’s still alive. To celebrate fully and devoid of any close family, she invites her original band members who’ve not been together for 15 years, with her once best friend Jane (now settled down with fellow band member Donovan and their 5 children) and her former lover, the charming English rogue Ramsey.
Whilst the reunion allows the band members to learn some home truths about their relationships, the musical also follows the loves and losses of the family who own the restaurant. Woven throughout the two contrasting tales (the settled Mexican family and the wayward former rock band) are the themes of love, acceptance and, of course, dreams.
The first thing that strikes us is the originality of the production, the mixture of Kenna as a singer and rock star on stage performing for us, and then Kenna as a real human being, struggling with illness and loneliness.
The energy of the production also hits us immediately, with the fast pace, slick choreography and smooth transitions. The actions themselves are also highly creative, with many of the quick jumps created instantly with multifunctional props and clever lighting, much in the style of shows like ‘Come From Away’. Everything about this production is polished and flawless, each action having been carefully considered.
Lena Hall, who performs the role of Kenna, is outstanding, both as an actress and a rock singer. Her portrayal of a woman fighting to take control of her diagnosis whilst undergoing a journey of discovery that allows her to accept her own loneliness, is both convincing and deeply moving. Her husky, powerful voice is versatile, allowing her to belt out the fast-paced rock songs of the 1960’s whilst also performing the harrowing country love songs that Orbison became famous for later on in the 1980’s. Her lover Ramsey, performed by Oliver Tompsett, provides an excellent match for her, his cheeky, charming character and deep, rich singing voice making him the attractive bad guy every woman would love to tame.
The whole show is a triumph as an ensemble piece, with each role brilliantly cast. A particular favourite of mine was the flamboyant chef Tom performed by Leon Criag who provided comedy value throughout, as well as a shocking emotional moment near the end that brought a lump to my throat – oh, and boy, can he sing too! There were just too many great performers to name them all individually, but their comradeship was evident to see on stage, and their close harmonies absolutely beautiful to listen to.
The story of grief and love surrounding the Mexican family who owned the restaurant provided cultural learning for the audience, with the actress performing Nicole, Gabriela Garcia, also being recognised in the programme as undertaking the role of Cultural Coordinator. This ensured her heritage was accurately presented on stage with care and consideration, a beautiful touch that I’ve not seen before.
Once again, praise must go to musical director Patrick Hurley and his whole band. I’m glad Hurley got a bow at the end but the whole band should have been brought out to allow us to truly applaud the 150 mins of outstanding playing, perfectly tight and with an authentic sense of style. Although I can’t claim to know many of Roy Orbison songs, the pieces themselves were extremely well written and I obviously knew some of the more famous songs such as ‘Pretty Woman’, ‘Only The Lonely’ and ‘Anything You Want’ (which I still can’t get out of my head!). As a Jukebox musical, the songs didn’t feel forced and were expertly arranged to fit beautifully with the action on stage.
This show made me laugh, smile and, I’m not ashamed to say, brought a tear to my eye, too. I left the theatre thinking positively about the world around me, with a new sense of appreciation for what I have. I think being in my late 30s made me relate to the main characters from the rock band in particular, but there are so many sub-stories, such as the relationship between the grandma and her recently widowed friend, that everyone can find relatability in some area of the show. This is a production that I think anyone would thoroughly enjoy and it is a genuinely feel-good piece of theatre. It’s a rare find and I cannot recommend it enough!
Book by David West Read
Featuring the music of Roy Orbison
Directed by Luke SheppardCourtyard Theatre, Leeds Playhouse
3 July – 5 August.
Box office 0113 213 7700
Book online leedsplayhouse.org.uk
All photography by Pamela Raith. Cover image: Oliver Tompsett as Ramsey and Lena Hall as Kenna.
