It’s 1919 and a group of Extraordinary Women are discussing what the world could be like without men on the Island of Sirene. To be exact three Sirens and a Sappho are. We all know the stories and myths surrounding Sirens and Sailors perhaps leading to a predictable ending.

However, the journey to the end is entertaining and captivating at times. Although there isn’t much depth to the storyline and at times I found myself slightly bewildered at who was playing which role. That doesn’t detract from the entertaining range of characters that enter the storyline.

The main storyline tells the lustful tale between the English rose Aorora ‘Rory,’ played by Caroline Sheen, and the rather infatuatingly charming Rosalba, played by Amy Ellen Richardson. Who looked stunning in the military uniform and beguiled several other characters.

It’s an uplifting and musical extravaganza by musical director Sam Sommerfield who accompanies the cast on the piano throughout the performance. Along with James William-Pattison on double bass. The score was created by Sarah Travis and the lyrics were written by Richard Stirling.

A special mention has to be made to Carla Joy Evans costume designer. The roaring 1920s sprang to life in several of the eye-catching dresses. Along with the plainer “silk” or “satin” styled dresses worn by the Sirens and Sappho.

It’s one of those musicals where you can sit back, relax, and be entertained by an extremely talented cast regardless of whether you can follow the storyline or not all the time. Sometimes it’s nice to be entertained in style.

For more information about Extraordinary Women and future productions at Jermyn Street Theatre please use the link below.

Four Stars.

https://www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/show/extraordinary-women-a-new-musical-of-the-1920s/

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Published the same year as Virginia Woolf’s Orlando, Compton Mackenzie (Whisky Galore!, Monarch of the Glen)’s novel draws its richly drawn characters from the artistic circles of 1928 London.

 

Evergreen Theatrical Productions Ltd presents

EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN
World Premiere of a New Musical

From the novel by Sir Compton Mackenzie

Music by Sarah Travis

Book and Lyrics by Richard Stirling

Directed by Paul Foster

Choreographed by Jo Goodwin

Design by Alex Marker

Costume Design by Carla Joy Evans

Lighting by Alex Musgrave

Musical Director Sam Sommerfeld

23 July – 10 August