Wilma’s Rating [rating=4]
Loserville is a new British musical, written by Elliot Davis (Soho Cinders) and with music by James Bourne (Busted).
It tells the story of Michael Dork (Aaron Sidwell), a boy who is on the verge of inventing the Internet. With the help of Holly, the new girl at school, (Eliza Hope Bennett) they set out to make this happen along with their geeky friends Lucas (Richard Lowe), Marvin (Daniel Buckley) and Francis (Lil’ Chris).
The scenery and staging of Loserville is something I haven’t felt this excited about since Matilda!
The story is told through a comic book. From the very beginning, dancers run on with giant note pads, holding them above the actors heads with their names on (like the beginning of a TV programme). This fresh and innovative idea runs throughout the show, with no real props or materials, but cartoon drawings on cards (sometimes built like a puzzle between the dancers). Everything from classrooms to ice creams are visualised on hold up cards. The show is worth seeing just for all this. I was transfixed for the entire show, just waiting to see what would come next.
The Choreography is also worth huge respect. Nick Winston proves he can put on a spectacle, whether he is working with prison inmates (Pimlico Opera) or young actors (Loserville). The moves he can create are outstanding.
The Garrick Theatre is up there with the best. Seats with spacious leg room, pitching that means you don’t have people’s heads in front of you and toilets with more than just one cubicle!
Loserville is a fresh, vibrant, energetic show with a hugely talented cast. It is a story that everyone can relate to. A show about communicating (between friends, lovers and also by email).
Aaron Sidwell (who is best known for playing Steven Beale in Eastenders) takes the lead role of Michael in his stride, belting out numbers and dancing his way through the show effortlessly.
Lil’ Chris (Francis), who became known through Channel 4’s ‘Rock School’ does an outstanding job, too, with geeky/shy dance moves and grungy sounding vocals.
Using words like ‘Defo’ and ‘BS’, this is the most current sounding show in the West End (if you don’t understand these words like me you’ll have to Google them). Yes, it is going to resonate mostly with a younger crowd, but didn’t shows like Grease when they first opened (and look how far they have gone)? There are the odd few lines thrown in for the adults and the obvious joke that runs throughout the show that the younger audience don’t seem to click onto until the very end.
Loserville is an underestimated little gem that deserves more credit than it has been getting. It is a fun night out and very reasonably priced. Go see it!
