27: The Rise Of A Falling Star Review
27 – The Rise Of A Falling Star
MUSIC, BOOK AND LYRICS BY
SAM CASSIDY
MUSIC BY
MATT WILLS
CO–DIRECTOR
ARLENE PHILLIPS
Everyone has heard of the 27 Club, a club you can only join if you’re a popular musician who dies at the age of 27 as a result of drug and alcohol abuse or homicide or suicide. Members include Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Janice Joplin and Kurt Cobain. Not a club, I’d particularly like to join but the world and myself eagerly lap up everything about these stars extinguished too soon that the media dishes out.
This club sets the scene for Sam Cassidy’s new musical 27 – The Rise Of A Falling Star. While the story doesn’t follow the tragic lives of those in the 27 Club, Sam Cassidy aims to make the audience begin to think of these stars as not famous people, but as real people. Real people who had families, friends and have suffered addiction, depression and anxiety. Through the live of Orpheus – this story is told. Orpheus is a young rock star who spirals down the path of addiction, destined to join the 27 Club. His self-destruction and the effect it has on his friends and family is a stark reminder that fame is not all it’s cracked up to be.
The Cockpit is a small theatre and this makes watching the story of Orpheus, Max, Jason and Amy feel even more intimate. Sam Cassidy has created a new musical that made me connect with the characters and want to continue watching until the very end. Without a talented cast, this may not have been the case and 27 certainly has one. The character of Orpheus played by Greg Oliver may be the star but he’s surrounded by stars which shine just as bright. Jack Donnelly as Max in particular, his heartfelt speech at the end of musical brought a tear to my eye. Cassie Compton as Amy and Lucy Martin as Ms. M were also divine and their presence on stage demanded attention as soon as they entered.
The use of Greek mythology throughout the performance was exceptionally well done without being clichéd or ostentatious. It was actually quite clever and the subtle hints throughout the performance were ones I enjoyed looking out for. Orpheus’ battle with Hades in the underworld was a highlight of the musical for me and its heartbreaking conclusion.
To see 27 – The Rise Of A Falling Star yourself, make sure you book tickets now. Playing until to Saturday October 22 in a 6-week season at London’s 170-seat Cockpit Theatre in Marylebone, it’s a new musical not to be missed. Its 4 stars from me. Now I’ve just to get my hands on the soundtrack so I can listen to the 13 musical numbers that the cast of 15, expertly perform over and over again.
Reporter: Tegan LeBon
Twitter and Instagram: Toogs1
“27” THE COCKPIT Gateforth Street London NW8 8EH
Box Office: 020 7258 2925 (10.30am – 6pm, Monday – Friday, 12 noon – 6pm, Saturday)
Thursday 8 September to Saturday 22 October
Tuesday – Sunday at 7.30pm Wednesday & Sunday at 3.00pm Saturday 24 September & Saturday 22 October at 3.00pm (No evening show Sunday 25 September
https://www.facebook.com/27LDN/
