“Our House-The Madness Musical” by Act One
Iveshead Theatre, Shepshed.

“Our House” is possibly one of the best “jukebox musicals” ever, with the songs featured having been hits and album tracks by Madness. It’s also an excellent piece of theatre for the younger theatre performer, therefore a perfect vehicle for Act One.

The story follows Camden lad Joe Casey who, on the night of his 16th birthday, makes a decision that will change his life. Trying to impress Sarah, the girl of his dreams, Joe breaks into a building development overlooking his home on Casey Street. But things take a turn for the worse as the police turn up. Joe’s life splits into two; the Good Joe who stays and gives himself up and Bad Joe who flees and leaves Sarah to run from the police.

The play then follows the two paths that Joe’s life could take after that fateful night; one path means a criminal record and social exclusion, while the other will lose him the girl that he loves. Over a period of seven years and two alternative lives Joe deals with the consequences of that night.

Whilst one Joe fights to keep Sarah, the other is marrying her in a glitzy Vegas wedding and, ultimately, while Good Joe fights to save his house on Casey Street, Bad Joe is determined to demolish it with tragic consequences. All this is watched over by Joe’s deceased father, who pulls the two stories together.

While the story lines and the music is greatly entertaining, there’s a moralistic thread throughout, proving that preaching from the musical pulpit can work.

Such a large cast means that I’d be here until tomorrow giving mentions to all of the talented cast, so I’ll highlight some of the shining stars

Joe Harrison (Joe Casey ) is one of the best Joe Casey's I've seen. He is a confident performer who can sing, act and dance really well. This may seem a weird thing to say but Joe has very expressive hands, and I noticed this in his choreographed pieces. Anyone who is a "Strictly" fan will know just what I mean,and that's not something that comes naturally to a young actor.

Olivia Needham (Sarah) again is a very confident performer, and like Joe, is a triple threat with her singing, dancing and acting skills. The pairing of these two was a natural one as they have performed together in other shows. they compliment each other very well.

Tom Hetzel (Joe's Dad). You sometimes forget that these actors are only kids, because the maturity of these lot make you believe that they can play an older character, just like Joe's Dad. I for one didn't see a teenage actor, I saw Joe's Dad. And I loved the supernatural air this character created.

Lulu Wright (Kath Casey). I am a sucker for an Irish accent, and I don't know whether Lulu is Irish, but if not she fooled me. A very passionate performance from Lulu.

Ben Dawson (Emmo) has that knack for comedy if this performance is anything to go by. It wasn't forced and that's what made his Emmo comical, when it was called for.

Jed Leafe (Lewis). Another excellent pairing and foil for Emmo. Another very confident performer and performance.

Beth Edwards (Billie) and Paige Brierley (Angie). This play is packed with great pairings. the characters come across as great friends and I imagine that Beth and Paige are also great friends away from the stage because the chemistry, as with all of the pairings are natural on stage.

Oliver Halford (Reecey). Playing the not so nice characters are always much more fun and meaty and Reecey is the bad (ish) guy, well one of them here. And if, like Oliver did, you can stir up some kind of emotion from a character, you know you've done your job as an actor, and Oliver certainly did his job.

Alex Leeson (Mr Pressman ). Oh he is a nasty piece of work who will do anything to get what he wants, even trying to force Joe to arrange to have his Mum's house burnt down when she was still in it. A nice meaty performance who, like Oliver, did the job well.

The ensemble work was very good and really fleshed out the stage. Some lovely choreography pieces, especially in the large ensemble sections, thanks to the talents of Wendy Spencer, assisted by Helen Starkey & Michelle White.I absolutely loved the "Sun & The Rain" choreography as well as the "Wings Of A Dove" Vegas scene.

The arrangements of these Madness classics still sound fresh and take on a new life when stripped back so that you can hear the words. A brilliant job done by the Musical Director for this show, Hazel Needham. And the band sounded amazing!

Several highlights but the delicate and heart felt arrangement of "One Better Day" and the comedic interplay with the lyrics in "My Girl" were scene stealers.

Another massive plus were the costumes (Sue Penver & Lorna North). Very classy!

I must also mention the programme, which was designed by Joe Harrison. Well laid out and presented with a load of information.

Produced and Directed by Adrian Dobson, who is also responsible for the set design as well,

Act One grow on their successes and last year's "Annie", which was the first I'd seen from Act One, was wonderful, and I wondered if they were able to better that, well they certainly did.

Everyone involved in getting this production should be extremely pleased with themselves, as I couldn't think of anywhere that I would rather have been on a rainy afternoon than in the company of such talent.Here's to "Anything Goes" in 2019; can't wait!