“Tommy” by Gatepost Theatre
Guildhall Theatre, Derby.

Based on the iconic 1969 concept album, The Who’s "Tommy" is the multi-award winning epic rock musical written by Pete Townshend.

After witnessing the murder of his father by his mother's lover, Tommy is traumatized into catatonia, and as the boy grows, he suffers abuse at the hands of his sadistic relatives and neighbours.

As a teenager, he’s discovered to have an uncanny knack for playing pinball, and when his mother finally breaks through his catatonia by smashing the mirror he sees Captain Walker through, he becomes an international pinball superstar.

The musical is something special. This production is also something very special with parts of the musical being signed by the cast as they performed.Knowing how difficult it is to learn the basics of signing, this cast did a smooth job, thanks to the help of their signing consultant Jean Collington.

Tommy is played by a young actor called Harrison Ince who oozes confidence and can hold a tune as well.

Captain Walker is played by Christopher Collington, who doubles as the narrator, co-designed the set, choreographed the musical and directed it. One man, many hats.

Kirsty Vastenavondt (Mrs Walker), Daniel Collington (The Lover), Simon Owen (Uncle Ernie), Simon Collington (Cousin Kevin) and Sarah Knight (The Acid Queen) were all incredible. Their vocals were amazing. This is a rock opera and singing this style can be quite difficult, but it was if they had sung rock music all their lives. The power and clarity of their voices were fantastic.

This production features a brilliant live band faithfully recreating the sound and score of Pete Townshend and The Who. Tracks like “Amazing Journey”, “See Me Feel Me”, “The Acid Queen”, "I'm Free", “Smash The Mirror” and of course “Pinball Wizard”

At the start they warned the audience that they would need to switch their mobiles off as well as their hearing aids, and they delivered what they promised. Being loud doesn't always mean being comfortable to listen to but in the hands of Musical Director James Bowden, this band were loud and very comfortable on the ears. If I'm going to listen to rock music, it has to be loud! It has to have clarity!

The sound inside The Guildhall is always crystal clear and you could hear every word of every piece of dialogue and every song. Sound technician, Harry Greatorex made sure of that.

A simple set, co designed by John Cliff and Chris Collington, made sure that nothing detracted from the story, and this musical is all about telling a story. the first five minutes or so was all done with no words and that set the tone for the rest of the show.

From the Producer, Jim Dawkins, to the costumes provided by Mina Machin, to the wonderful ensemble and stage management team, you could tell that this show has been a labour of love for everyone involved. The passion and energy behind the performances is clear to see, and that is what makes this show one not to miss.

“Tommy” by Gatepost Theatre Company is at The Guildhall Theatre, Derby until Saturday 17 March 2018