"Jane - England's Nine Day Queen" written by Kim-louise Sparks

by Prism Theatre.
Sawley Memorial Hall Community Centre.

This is a completely new, never seen before piece of theatre written by Kim-Louise Sparks about Leicestershire born Lady Jane Gray. It's quite a rarity for me to see a completely brand new shiny musical, but here it is.

"Jane" is the story of Lady Jane Grey who reluctantly became Queen, but for only nine days due to a conspiracy where she was forced from the throne, in favour of Mary Tudor, and executed, along with her husband for treason. That's the potted history of Lady Jane Grey but the story line through the musical is very detailed as it's all done via this sung through piece of musical theatre. Kim-Louise, who wrote the songs as well as the storyline has obviously delved deep into the history of this woman, and those surrounding her, on both sides, and has created a history lesson in song that educates and entertains all at the same time.

I love that the music covers various styles and has so many catchy hooks running through it. Twenty six new pieces of music that will sound great on a soundtrack recording, especially with these singers, mixing classic musical theatre style tracks with toe tappers, and there's even a touch of rap going down on one of the tracks. I was very privileged to have heard four of the songs from "Jane" - "What Now", "Still I Stand", "Tudor Pawn" and "Her Name In Stone" - a few weeks ago which really whet my appetite for the rest of the songs, but there are many more standout songs here like "The Pieces Move", "Jane", "For England" and What Will Remain"; but it's really difficult to pick just a few of my new favourites.

I've seen all of this cast in various pieces of theatre over the years, so I don't need to tell you how good they are acting wise or vocal wise, and they bring their amassed talents to these new roles and the new songs. They all manage to keep your attention, especially those like me who don't know a lot about Lady Jane or this historical happening. There are also no standout performances for the main reason that all of the performances stand out.

Louise Potter (Lady Jane Grey), Matt McAuley (Lord Guildford Dudley/Thomas Wyatt the Younger), Dan Bates (Prince Philip of Spain/ Thomas Brydges, the Tower guard), Rebekah Dean (Lady Mary Tudor), Graham Buchanan (John Dudley/Henry Grey - Jane's father), Philippa Buchanan (Frances Grey - Jane's mother), Hannah Gorton (John Feckenham/Sir John Brydges), Grace Deakin (Katherine Grey), Emma Kerrison (Mary Grey), Alistair Langton (King Henry VIII)*, Brooke Meadows (Queen Consort Anne Boleyn)*, Penelope Dean (Princess Mary Tudor)* and Everley Meadows (Young Mary Tudor)*

Directed and choreographed by Kim-Louise Sparks, who also sourced the brilliant costumes, and I must say I loved Frances Grey's boots. There's a song, which may have been "Tudor Pawn" where there was some brilliant fanography going down. Kim-Louise also created the wonderfully informative programme which has many historical facts included as well as everything else you could want from a programme.

The set is basically a bare black backdrop with several props brought on and taken away, but who needs a full set when the story behind the musical is such an interesting one.

Production Assistants for the show are Rebekah Dean and Matt McAuley. Matt is also responsible for the Tech and Lighting design.

Vocal Coach is Emma Kerrison.

Graham Buchanan is the Fact/History Checker.

Martin Lewis is the Performance Technician - he is  in charge of the sound and lighting and video operation. Two free standing microphones picked up the majority of the speech and vocals, but this cast are well versed in projection. Sound wise it was nice to note that Martin listened to the sound mix of the backing tracks and the live vocals and at times adjusted the backing so as not to drown the on stage vocals. Lighting wise was a nice mix of colorful flooding and more intimate shades and spotting. 

Andrew Chick was responsible for sourcing props for the show as well as the videography - there was a slight technical hitch with the video, so we didn't get the full effect of this on opening night, but I am sure that this will be sorted out for Saturday's performance.

I must also mention two of my favourite people who were Front Of House on Friday night; Beth Yearsley and Becky Morley - lovely to see you both.

I noticed online that tickets for Saturday are dwindling, so if you want to get in there at the start of something so fresh and original, grab those remaining tickets while you can. As I said at the start, it's quite rare to see a musical that is completely new, and especially written by someone with as much talent, and love of history, as Kim-Louise. It's also a chance to see a collection of talented performers that make up this cast.

"Jane - England's Nine Day Queen" is being performed at Sawley Memorial Hall Community Centre in Sawley until Saturday 14 February.

*These parts were pre-recorded on video.