Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The true crime story of a double axe murderer may not be your obvious choice for a musical but then a bit of blood & gore never did Sweeny Todd any harm. Now it’s time for some herstory, enter Lizzie Borden, who was put on trial for the murders of both her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts back in 1892, a time before women had the vote and life for your average female was dictated by males who controlled everything.

Oppressed and abused Lizzie Borden (played by Lauren Drew), is drowning. Life is cruel and the claustrophobia of her crushing environment threatens to engulf her. Seeking sanctuary in the barn amongst the pigeons or during secret stolen moments with neighbour Alice (Maiya Quansah-Breed) something’s gotta give and when Lizzie’s protective sister Emma (Shekinah McFarlane) leaves town, give it does.

Along with maid Bridget (Mairi Barclay) the four bring the infamous story of Lizzie Borden to brilliant and bloody life. From the haunting nursery rhyme opener Forty Whacks to the powerhouse vocals displayed throughout, this is a musical with might.

Director and choreographer William Whelton ensures that the vocals take centre stage here and my goodness does this cast deliver! Lauren Drew is such a talent, carefully nuanced when necessary, making the moments of pure power all the more impactful. She transfixes as Lizzie, giving her both light, shade and believable complexity. Her pairing with Maiya Quansah-Breed is a joy, their voices complement each other beautifully, while the telling of their stories is delivered with a delicate determination leaving you desperately hoping they reach their own happy ending. Maiya Quansah-Breed’s calm, loving Alice offering Lauren Drew’s Lizzie the anchor she needs in life.

Shekinah Macfarlene is superb in the role of Emma, strong and soulful she brings a delicious depth to the sizzling score. While adding a genius touch of humour is the brilliant Mairi Barclay as glorious gossiping Bridget, she completes the quartet ensuring this formidable foursome won’t be forgotten in a hurry. Their harmonies are tight, powerful and utterly perfect.

Set and lighting designer Andrew Exeter transforms the intimate Hope Mill Theatre giving us drama and atmosphere well worthy of this gory tale. Dan Light’s video design takes things to another level while the live band led by Honor Halford-Macleod and made up of Dejante Hinks, Sarah Giles and Rebekah Slater are sublime.

With Act 1 lasting 55 minutes and Act 2 a shorter 40 minutes this cast grip you from the first eerie beat, you find yourself rooting for Lizzie wholeheartedly long before the first swing of the axe. You feel her pain, forgive her failings and empathise entirely with her reasoning.

Hope Mill Theatre have succeeded in adding humanity and personality to the Lizzie Borden of the history books, and they’ve done it all with slick style and pure rock star swagger. Lizzie will sit perfectly alongside the likes of SIX and Heathers, the score and specifically this production has cult classic written all over every rocktastic riff.

As the tempo changes once the verdict is reached our four protagonists become the liberated girl band you never knew you needed, Lizzie is bold, brilliant and totally badass, another monster hit!

Lizzie is on at Hope Mill Theatre until Saturday 30th September tickets available here.