I will be the first to raise my hand and admit that I
know jack all about dance. I like to think that I recognise the beauty of dance
and I can appreciate how good choreography will inform the narrative of a
musical. However, when it boils down to the nitty-gritty of dance criticism, I wouldn’t
know a tendu from a plie.
With this in mind I was excited although a little apprehensive
about attending Drunk at the Bridwell last night. Drunk is a new musical/dance
cross-over piece by Drew McOnie and Grant Olding, performed by the newly formed
Drew McOnie Company. On the simplest though perhaps most accessible of
subjects, McOnie contemplates the character of various alcoholic drinks, while
a girl waits for her date in a bar during happy hour.
McOnie has gathered a team of highly accomplished performers
- strong vocalists and energetic dancers - who weave an entertaining,
articulate story bursting with character. Gemma Sutton, a powerful singer
recently seen playing Roxie Hart at the Leicester Curve, frames the story with
tales of past love while each member of the company punches out a routine that
characterises Shots, Lager, Gin & Tonic, Champagne….you get the picture.
A satisfying score by Grant Olding features a broad mix
of styles that sweep through the bar and rest easily on the ear. The lyrics are
both witty and engaging – anyone who can rhyme libido with speedo is a winner
in my book – and despite the light nature of the piece, there are moments of
intimacy and introspection included that help balance the score.
Shored up by a boisterous five-piece band and a prescient
design from Ryan Laight (set and costume) and Richard Howell (lighting), Drunk is
a fascinating premiere from the Drew McOnie Company, whose future I will watch
with great interest.
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