Review: ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’

Before reading our review, get a taste of the show by listening to our preview here on the ((URY PLAYER))

Happily Ever After Society’s latest musical offering is their production of ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’. The performance provided a showcase for some of the finest vocal talents at the university yet the production never quite captured the air of a professional production.

For those who don’t know the premise of this unusual musical it provides a combination of 20s jazz, love triangles, money and of course white slavery (what comedy musical would be the same without that key ingredient). The show mixes superb jazz with Gilbert and Sullivan for a mix that must be unique in musical theatre.

The performances of the leads were astounding. Lottie Johnson as Millie shone with an infectious enthusiasm and enjoyment of the production. Tom Jones felt relaxed and charming in his role as Jimmy (Millie’s love interest) and Melissa Layton was delightfully evil as the pantomimic Mrs. Meers. Yet the show was stolen by Luke de Belder and Bethan Williams as Trevor and Miss Dorothy who both provided spot on comedy as well as impressive vocal performances which combined had the audience in the palm of their hands.

While the chorus initially seemed unnerved in the opening scenes they soon settled into the performance and the final chorus numbers couldn’t help but bring a smile to my face and raise the hairs on the back of my neck. Equally when in smaller groups, such as at the Society Club the male chorus provided a superb barbershop backing to the sexy jazz vocals of Claire Lawrence’s Muzzy. While the dancing was by no means perfect and often felt forced instead of flowing into the overall continuity of the show it still provided some great moments such as the letter writing scene which was a highlight of the first half.

Many people will be aware that the production has faced the problem of not being able to use its Central Hall home stage because of renovation being carried out by the University. The decision, however to move the production to the Joseph Rowntree Theatre did suit the production. As the stage show is an adaptation of the 1967 film the theatre’s plush ex cinema feel suited the show perfectly.

However despite the incredible performances by the leads the cast and chorus often failed to fill the stage or bring many of the settings alive. This was often due to unimaginative staging and a lack of props to punctuate the different locations which wasn’t helped by incredibly poor lighting design which lacked subtlety and rarely aided the empty staging. Furthermore the Joseph Rowntree theatre had facilities that performances in Central Hall could only dream of, such as a fully functional stage loft which was only used once in the entire performance.

In conclusion the show was an enjoyable evening despite its problems and the superb performances made the journey to the theatre well worth while even if the staging and technical aspects of the show made some parts of the evening underwhelming. Yet a recommendation is by no means hard to give and it still is a good introduction to the abilities of the performing arts societies at the university, even if it never attained the air of professionalism they set out to achieve.

The show is running at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, 7:30 every night until this Saturday. There is free transport to the venue from James College at 7:00 each night.

Hear our full audio review now in the National Award nominated 'In the Stalls' on the ((URY PLAYER)) here!