Last year was not the greatest for musical theatre within London’s
entire theatre scene, and one anticipated that 2015 may prove to be more
successful. Lamentably, it appears that this is not the case with Southwark
Playhouse's performance of, ‘Bat Boy: The Musical’ as it’s exceedingly meagre,
and the performances lacked finesse.
‘Bat Boy; The Musical’, written by Keythe Farley and Brian
Flemming, and music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe is situated in Hope Falls,
where three teenagers are presently near a dark and bloodcurdling cave, come
into contact with the creature that looks half human and half bat. The town
Sheriff, (Russell Wilcox) captures the person, and cordially requests that the
Parker family to handle him as Dr Parker, (Matthew White), is in fact a
veterinarian. At first the Parker’s are
hesitant by this responsibility; especially Shelley, as she scared but by what
he may attack her. On the other hand, Shelley's mother, Meredith decides to be
the caring variety, and endeavours to welcome ‘Bat Boy’ as a member of their
family, additionally to educate him. He soon reforms his character, and even
gains an undergraduate degree, and ultimately is welcomed to the Parker family
with open arms. Nonetheless, due to a negative connotation from the townsfolk,
and the doctor gives the impression that he feels neglected by his wife’s
attention, this instigates bitterness, and assures that ‘Bat Boy’ will not be
in attendance at the religious gathering that’s directed by Reverend Hightower,
(Simon Bailey). Defiantly Meredith, Shelly and ‘Bat Boy’ decide to make an
appearance at the event, which inevitably leads to ‘Bat Boys’s disappearance.
Shelley seems to have romantic feelings towards ‘Bat Boy’, and she soon has sexual
experiences with him when she discovers his wherabouts. Farley and Flemming’s narrative is abysmal as they are stupidly
trying to replicate the fantastic musical the’ Rocky Horror Show’ on a much smaller
scale, furthermore, O’Keefe’s music and lyrics are severely mediocre; such as
me musical numbers ‘Another Dead Cow”, “Three Bedroom House” and “Apology To A
Cow”.
One found the performances by the company of’ ‘Bat Boy: The
Musical’ were vastly adequate, and of course lacked physicality from
Joey McKnelly’s cut-rate choreography. Rob Compton is reasonable as the central
protagonist’ ‘Bat Boy’; mainly when he pours his heart out to the locals with the
song , “Let Me Walk With You”, in addition, his movements are well executed to
depict the characteristics of a bat. Lauren Ward is fitting as nurturing
Meredith Parker; chiefly when she repulses our husband’s actions towards ‘Bat
Boy’, and how his previous deeds have led to a marriage of utter concealment,
that had caused pain to have well-being. Georgina Hagan is acceptable as the
daughter Shelley Parker; exclusively when she explains of her admiration and
love toward ‘Bat Boy’ and that she does not care about the consequences
that may arise in such actions.
Luke Frederick’s direction is woeful here for as it appears
that the production does lack a gargantuan amount of precision and accuracy
within their characters developments, likewise, it is far too melodramatic in
places, which leaves a lot to be desired. Stuart Charlesworth’s set and
costumes are horrendous as it appears to be a lack of attention to detail with
the detailing n many aspects, and it's sickening to witness as there doesn’t appears
to be a conclusive concept to the design at all. One could not even understand
the location of the production either. Overall, one found the experience of ‘Bat
Boy: The Musical’ to be of poor standard, and not even worth a ticket purchase.
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