David Hunter

13 Going on 30

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Based on the iconic 2004 film starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, 13 Going on 30 introduces us to 13-year-old Jenna Rink who, following on from her not so successful 13th birthday party wakes up as her 30-year-old self, a highly motivated New York magazine editor. Successful she may be, but she soon realises that life as a high-flyer isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. At 13 she wished to be thirty, flirty and thriving yet the reality isn’t quite as fulfilling as she hoped for. In a desperate bid to figure out who she really is Jenna tracks down an old friend which sends her on a path of self-discovery, lucky for us she’s taking us along for the ride.

Lucie Jones is perfectly cast as Jenna, kooky and charismatic with soaring vocals she takes the role and truly makes it her own. Her Jenna is warm, witty and enormously likeable. The pairing of Lucie Jones and David Hunter as Matt is perfection, they bounce off each other brilliantly and have you rooting for them from the start. Hunter is a joy as Matt, retaining the witty sarcasm Ruffalo gave us in the film while ensuing the character brings a genuine charm and vulnerability to this uplifting production. Their relationship feels entirely believable and as an audience we fall just a little bit in love with them both.

Of course, every good story needs a little jeopardy, and we have that in the form of Grace Mouat as Lucy Wyam, a mean girl from Jenna’s high school days who now works alongside her at Poise magazine. As a faux friend Mouat is deliciously devilish, her razor-sharp comebacks are hilarious while her sour-faced sass slays.

Both young Jenna, Amelia Minto and young Matt, Max Bispham at tonight’s performance are absolute knockouts, immensely talented and totally mesmerising on stage. Long and successful careers no doubt lie ahead of this talented duo. A special mention must also go to the young company who are incredible throughout, their energy and talent is unrivalled.

While the film soundtrack brought us absolute bangers from Pat Bentar’s Love Is a Battlefield to Madonna’s Crazy for You, the musical mostly uses original music and lyrics from Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner. Opening number Wanna Be is superbly delivered by the young company, (Team Thirteen at tonight’s performance) while Too Late is the perfect Act 1 closer giving us beautifully moving moments as we see the younger and older versions of Jenna and Matt perform together.

One song we absolutely couldn’t lose from the film soundtrack gladly remains giving us the iconic Thriller scene. Choreographer Jennifer Weber adds to the beloved original choreography making this a real stand out moment in the show that could even afford to go a little bigger, really taking this scene to the next level.

 

The original songs are melodic and warmly uplifting, while the nostalgic amongst us may well go away wishing a sprinkling more of the original soundtrack would have made an appearance new audiences won’t feel anything is missing.

Book writers Josh Goldsmith & Cathy Yusp have done a great job of staying true to the film while adding depth and creativity for theatre audiences. 

Director Andy Fickman has done a brilliant job of ensuring this talented cast deliver each scene with real heart and precision.

13 Going on 30 is like a cosy hug with your favourite fluffy pillow, uplifting, joyful and a whole lot of fun. It’ll remind you that life is all about the connections we make along the way while thoroughly entertaining you from start to finish.

13 Going on 30 is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Sunday 12th October tickets are available here

The Time Traveller’s Wife

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Based on the best selling novel by Audrey Niffenegger and the film screenplay by Bruce Joel Rubin, The Time Travellers Wife takes the leap into musical theatre and does so with unquestionable style.

Pop legends Dave Stewart and Joss Stone have linked up to create the music and lyrics, gifting the piece with soulful melodies and deeply layered numbers that drive and develop the story beautifully.

Portraying a tale about a time traveller could quite easily become confusing & chaotic, not here; this slick production with its clear storytelling and impressive design translates into something that’s hugely impressive and emotionally resonant.

David Hunter takes on the role of Henry, a time traveller who has no control over when or where he’ll be ripped out of the present and pulled into his past or maybe even his future. Hunter is superb in the role, every disappearance and reappearance is more impressive than the last, he’s right before your eyes one moment then appears at the opposite side of the stage in a completely different costume the next. This is a truly demanding role which he pulls off with ease & heaps of charm.

Joanne Woodward is perfectly cast as Clare. She gives the character depth and complexity while making her instantly likeable, showing both strength and vulnerability. The chemistry between the two is wonderful, their voices gel together so beautifully, lifting Stone and Stewart’s lyrics to the next level. You desperately want happiness for this duo as they portray the multi-layered characters with pure heart.

Tim Mahendran and Hiba Elchikhe add to the fun of the piece as bickering but hopelessly devoted Gomez and Charisse while as Henry’s Father, Ross Dawes makes sure his featured scene packs an emotional punch.

The set design, projections and illusions elevate this production far beyond a love story. They are thrilling, surprising and absolutely stunning. Journeyman which opens Act 2 is something very special, acting as real showcase as complex choreography, incredible vocals and impressive technology combine. Designers Anna Fleischle, Lucy Carter, Andrzej Goulding, Richard Brooker and illusionist Chris Fisher have ensured that the time travelling elements have been treated with the care they deserve, and the results are simply magical, with constant surprises keeping the audience on their toes from start to finish.

This ambitious production directed by Bill Buckhurst succeeds entirely, the technology is matched by a cast at the top of their game while the clear storytelling captivates completely. The Time Traveller’s Wife is a superb addition to musical theatre, with I hope, a long future ahead. Filled with love, heart and hope, this stunning new musical is a total triumph.

The Time Traveller’s Wife is on at Chester’s Storyhouse until Saturday 15th October tickets available here.