Review: Pop! The Musical
Image Credit: Megan Espie
I often dream of pursuing a creative career whilst simultaneously feeling overwhelmed for what that might entail in a big city environment. So, essentially in my mind, I might refer to myself as a starving artist, and as starving artists, I think there’s an element of comfort we all seek through relatability. So before taking my seat in The Workshop Theatre and having read the synopsis of the play POP, I was filled with apprehension of how it would adequately reflect such a shared experience. But with the combination of strong performances, the music and the production, it was reflected beautifully.
Co-directed by George Oates and Ash Mallen (also the choreographer) and written by George Oates, the plot follows a songwriter who moves to London in order to pursue his musical dreams and aspirations. He finds himself working in a cafe, and the play often demonstrates the fluctuating highs and lows that come with chasing your dreams. The constant appearance of the Chorus allows for both an insight into his mind, and for the fun pop element to shine.
Although I understand the musical element, to an extent, it felt as if there wasn’t a direct continuation of the plot with the outweighed level of speech. However the music did a great job of conveying the feelings of the songwriter as well as engaging an audience. George Oates was the musical director and all of the songs were catchy, but stood out further because they felt like an immersive musical experience. One which allowed the audience to feel all the feelings of The Songwriter, with elements of anxiety, excitement and fun with the much loved rap sequence. I’ve never seen pop be portrayed so versatile all in one performance. The audience participation through musical numbers was also fun and enhanced the immersive experience.
The cast is made up of five people, including Jake Thomas as The Songwriter and Lucy Butterworth, Poppy Glaze, Emma Mitchell and Jonah O’Sullivan as the Chorus. Although a small cast, they all delivered strong performances. Jake Thomas conveyed the anxious feelings of a struggling artist well through his delivery. All of the chorus members shined with Emma Mitchell’s beautiful vocals, Jonah O’Sullivan’s comedic relief, Lucy Butterworth’s constant enthusiasm (that had me wanting to break into song) and Poppy Glaze’s line delivery.
There was a limited set design, however I understand challenges with budgets, and so, the manner in which they all still created a lively London styled ambience was great. What was absent in set design was entirely made up in the comedic use of props. The Chorus cast members acted as props, such as the lamp (which made me giggle) and the coffee table. I loved when the coffee table moved their heads along to the music because I got it; the music was that catchy. I was doing the same.
It explored themes such as identity, ambition and self-esteem. The play was rich in highlights, with the humour throughout and the fun, funky lighting which matched the upbeat more positive music. I’d also like to take a moment to appreciate the production team with Isla Plant, Anna Duffell, and Megan Espie and the love that was clearly poured into the production by them and all aforementioned cast members. It truly was intimate, relatable, sad and fun all at once.
If you want to leave a performance with a little pep in your step, and a newfound determination, I highly recommend watching ‘Pop’ in Edinburgh Fringe. It was a lovely watch and the enthusiasm of all the cast members left me feeling hopeful and warm.
Words by Momnah Shahnaz