The Secret Singer

The real life secret singer Jenny Simm addressed the audience after the show, telling them that watching the performance made her feel like she had been knighted by the Queen.

Her sunny disposition in real life, and through the character portrayed on stage, is delightful.

The musical is a love letter from the writer/composer/director Joanna Weinberg to Jenny and the way their lives intersected, when the thrice married and much abused New Zealander approached her for singing lessons.

Genevieve Lemon played Emjay, the singing teacher who was once a star and now ekes out a living by giving lessons in drafty church halls.

The set, designed by Brigette Thorn, portraying the interior of stained glass window, well-worn chairs and messy notice board, immediately set the mood.

When the unlikely looking and sounding student first attempts to warble, all that spills out is breath. She looked like a hopeless case. Patiently Emjay teases out Jenny’s voice (Kate Mannix) and the story of her life. Watching the exercises needed to do this is fascinating.

Joanna Weinberg’s songs are sweet and especially effective when mimicking the mechanics of a singing lesson.

The one element still needing further work in this musical is dramatic tension. Both Emjay and Jenny are a little too nice (perhaps reflecting the people they are based on).

It is very rare for someone to completely nail a new work by writing the book, music and directing it.

The work departs from real life events in several respects. A bit more of a departure from reality and a bit more teeth would make it a work that would have even more appeal.

David Spicer

Photographer:Stephen Reinhardt