Urinetown

This is the second production of Urinetown I have encountered and it was equally enjoyable. Being a university production, it was also even further over the top.

Everything about the production was high energy. Every member of the ensemble was fully engaged. Movements and dancing were strong and coordinated. There were no weak links here.

Sets were moved on and off stage by the cast, and the action flowed. The lighting was impressive and the sound excellent. The four-piece band sounded a little thin in the overture, but this was not apparent once the show got going.

Particularly outstanding in a strong cast was Henry Shaw as the boss, Cladwell. I remembered him from The Contrabandista last year, and his clean baritone and strong stage presence were a major asset. The purple hair and suit also helped.

With the usual shortage of males, Officers Lockstock and Barrel were played by females, Len Duniec and Grace Haslinghouse. Duniec doubled as the narrator with wonderful comic timing.

The lovers, Bobby and Hope, were played by Jye Cannon and Nat Montalto. Both sang beautifully and were a convincing couple. Sofia Craven was a strong Pennywise, and the colourful costumes added to the surreal feel of the show.

This was a highly entertaining evening.

Graham Ford