Spring Awakening, Frank Wedekind’s 1891 play about sexual blossoming in a German town, was turned into a musical in 2006, opening on Broadway to critical acclaim.
The play was banned for years and the updated version doesn’t hold back on hard hitting themes such as abortion, child abuse and sexual exploration.
Huge credit to the producers who could easily have settled on something safer, especially given the sacred nature of the venue.
The challenge here is to form an intimate theatre space within such a vast building that isn’t designed for such a purpose. Ingenuity is required and achieved by Director. Richard Poynton.
Traverse staging places the audience each side of the stage. It mostly works, the only downside being the blind spots created by lights on the playing level in the absence of ceiling lighting rigs.
Performances are, at times, exceptional. It’s essentially an ensemble piece of theatre, blending narrative with precise choreography and a sharp, contemporary score. Songs range from haunting ballards to a second act number that takes the F word to a new level.
All songs, whether solo or in chorus are impressively delivered with real attack and panache.
Hattie Rumsey as Wendla is proof that less is more in a beautifully understated performance while Matthew Facchino impresses with very real characterisations. That said, everyone excels and gel seamlessly together.
Producers of “Let Me In Productions” , Chris Buckle and Martin Pritchard, have set the bar high with this joyous and dynamic piece of theatre.
More is to come from the company in October. On the evidence of this, get your tickets now because it will sell out.
