2 March 2024 I 16:00 I Leeds Grand Theatre
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Adapted from the Kate Pankhurst book series, Chris Bush's stage adaptation of Fantastically Great Women... is simply everything I could ask for in a musical and more! This is my first time seeing the production live, however my most listened to soundtrack of all time! Under Amy Hodge's direction, it truly feels like the opening of a kid's pop-up book, bursting with vibrancy and joyous storytelling!
This cast is one of my favourites from any show I have seen. Extremely talented, with astonishing harmonies, the way this cast of six perform for audiences is immaculate. Younger cast Georgia Grant-Anderson and Millie Kiss have a great energy. There is a vulnerability as past and present challenges are confronted through womanhood. As a man watching this show, I feel endlessly privileged to learn about the women who have shaped history in a hugely insightful 80 mins. One of the most important conversations in theatre today, anyone of any age or gender can celebrate the women who have paved the way for change.
In a multi rolling wonder, Jennifer Caldwell, Chlöe Hart, Leah Vassell and Summer Priest excel in every way, the character work immensely impressive! I could write paragraphs about every single one! The audience consists of quite a few children, and I can imagine how inspirational this must be, such strong female talent onstage to admire and look up to.
Equally the band delivers the score to perfection. I adore how many incredible women make up the creative team. A shoutout to Bronwen Chan for joining the action in THE coolest theatre moment during World Of Colour, had to drag my jaw off the floor!! Those Day Of The Dead skulls and percussive style, going to be thinking about this one every day!
Danielle Rhimes Lecointe's choreo is slick and modern. BSL is incorporated into these dances at times, which is stylish and endearing for accessibility. Joanne Scother's set is a marvel, a fabulous array of colours to reinforce this positivity. I get excited about a few shows, but my excitement is BEYOND measure for this musical, the perfect family show open to all audiences!
Part of a shorter series of reviews, initially published on Instagram to manage university demand.
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