The National Youth Music Theatre returns to the Curve with the world premiere of The Boy Who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair, a new musical based on the novel by Lara Williamson.
The musical is written by Jordan Li-Smith, who in a very relatable moment picked the book in a charity shop for its intriguing title. The story is a touching tale of grief and learning to say goodbye, through the eyes of almost-11-year-old Becket who struggles to piece his family together after his mums death years ago.
Directed by Hannah Chissick, the cast and orchestra is fully comprised of under 22s, many of which in their early teens, but you could be forgiven for mistaking them for being much older with the skill and professionalism exhibited on stage.
There are undoubtedly some young stars in the making, particularly Sam Carter who plays Becket, a quiet and serious child and does a superb job of expressing the internal turmoil Becket goes through in both acting and song. James Breem, playing Becket’s brother Billy, also gets his moment to shine when befriending Brian the Snail (played by the charming Bill Stanley) with theatrical flair.
Alex Absalom-Sanchez has one of the most fun roles as Ibiza Nana, lighting up the stage in various flapper dresses, accompanied by her swooning entourage. Eva Guilfoyle has attitude rolling out of her eyes as classmate Mimi, while Isabelle Larrey is adorable as butterfly obsessed Nevaeh.
Lily Copland-Jones is brilliant as almost-mum Pearl, subtly showing the transformation Becket’s opinion goes through as he grows to understand the more adult dynamics in play. His actual mum, played by Charley Lawrenson doesn’t have much to say until the very end, but remains an enchanting presence on stage in her siren-like manner and shows her absolutely mesmerising voice in the final musical number.
The set, designed by Richard Cooper, is deceptively simple; an enormous armchair centre stage making the already small children look ludicrously tiny, and offers a gateway into the character’s imagination, which is accentuated by the use of recycled props – umbrellas reutilised as hair salon dryers.
For the most part, Li-Smith’s music is upbeat, and while not a sing-through musical, many of the numbers are back to back keeping the pace of the production moving (although is still a touch long, verging on three hours). With so many on stage the music utilises everyone’s musical skills, alternating between choral-like arrangements and some stunning solos.
Steve Kirkham doesn’t go easy on the choreography, putting every member of the cast through their paces, especially in the more fun interpretative numbers like the Snoop songs.
The Boy Who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair is an excellent showcase of talent, young and old, only at The Curve until 19th August. Get your tickets here https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/the-boy-who-sailed-the-ocean-in-an-armchair
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Katie Reviews 