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Two issues involved me about La Maupin. Firstly, to all intents and functions it’s a musical, which, in my view, are the work of an evil mastermind attempting to destroy society one track at a time. Secondly, and way more regarding, I used to be having fun with it! Something was amiss on the planet. Let’s handle the musical component first. It’s described as “a folk punk play with songs” moderately than a musical. Maybe that’s a greater description that might encourage different non-musical theatre followers alongside. The music is carried out by the extremely proficient solid of 5, (sadly, no checklist of who…
Rating
Excellent
A ridiculously bold play that tells the story of Julie La Maupin, a seventeenth Century Frenchwoman with a style for sword combating, opera singing and males and lady alike. It’s bonkers and pleasant.
Two issues involved me about La Maupin. Firstly, to all intents and functions it’s a musical, which, in my view, are the work of an evil mastermind attempting to destroy society one track at a time. Secondly, and way more regarding, I used to be having fun with it! Something was amiss on the planet.
Let’s handle the musical component first. It’s described as “a folk punk play with songs” moderately than a musical. Maybe that’s a greater description that might encourage different non-musical theatre followers alongside. The music is carried out by the extremely proficient solid of 5, (sadly, no checklist of who performs who seems obtainable), Frida Rodbroe, Katrina Michaels, Megan Armitage, Olivia Thompson and Olivia Warren.) Between them they play a wide range of devices; violin, accordion, flute, harmonica, ukulele, even a kazoo makes an look, amusingly as a cigarette at one level. We are actually surrounded by the sound of their music. It’s a mixture of folksy, shanties, slightly punk and no matter lies inbetween. It is, at instances, a joyful racket, while at others, intimate and delicate. It is just implausible to look at them carry out, play and sing.
The outstanding story is that of Julie La Maupin, a 17th Century French lady. As we’re advised initially, as extraordinary as her life was, it nonetheless solely musters 708 phrases on Wikipedia! Well, this present definitely makes up for that. We first be part of her fleeing a loss of life sentence for the minor crime of burning down a convent while releasing her lover. It’s then a whirlwind of extra lovers and duels earlier than she finds herself as an opera singer. And scorching on her heels all through is a person decided to see her pay for her crimes. It is all totally ridiculous and unbelievable. Except that it’s apparently (principally) true!
Performing within the spherical provides to the intimacy and playfulness, drawing us even nearer, particularly when the solid sit amongst us when not centre stage, typically taking part in devices and becoming a member of in with the ensemble singing. There’s a wild carefree really feel to all of it, which belies the precision required. The staging additionally means there may be restricted house, particularly when all 5 are current, so director Suzy Catliff and motion marketing consultant Steve Elias do an unbelievable job of making certain they don’t journey over one another, particularly as they wield devices.
The present does want some refinement. Instruments often drown out the singing, and while performing within the spherical provides lots, it might profit with changes to keep away from extended again watching or lacking charming particulars (trace: sit on the right-hand facet whenever you go in, your neck will thanks). The story may additionally do with slightly work, particularly when La Maupin and her pursuer ultimately come collectively. This must be the grand conclusion, and but it’s extra a whimper than the massive bang it deserves. Dare I counsel the story would possibly even profit from dropping the entire pursuer component? And lastly, with the solid (apart from La Maupin) all taking part in a number of components, maybe slightly costuming to assist differentiate characters would assist hold monitor of who’s who. But these are all minor points simply addressed if (and oh I do hope so) this present is picked up for a future greater run.
La Maupin actually is an excellent play. You can actually think about it changing into a serious hit given the suitable alternatives. Iron out the little points and that is undoubtably a 5 star present that can dazzle and delight a complete new viewers. If solely all musicals have been this completely bonkers, possibly I might rethink my perception that they need to be banished from existence.
Written by: Olivia Thompson
Directed by: Suzy Catliff
Design by: Robin Soutar
Movement Consultant: Steve Elias
Produced by: Fantastic Garlands Theatre
La Maupin performs at Lion and Unicorn Theatre till 3 December. Further data and bookings may be discovered right here.
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