I absolutely adore a new musical. Anything that gives me a good ear-worm and has me humming for days, gets me buzzing about something new and has a brilliant story is a win in my books. But a new musical about kick ass feminist icons? Well I honestly don't think that I can really put into words how excited I was to hear that the brilliant children's book "Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World" was being adapted into a new musical.
When I found out that this brilliant new show was being made in collaboration with Kenny Wax Family Entertainment and MAST Mayflower Studios, I knew I had to go, I knew I had to be there, and I also knew that Max would love it as much (and if not more) as me. We have been so fortunate to have been invited to the press night of the show, and I honestly can't explain how much I loved it.
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| Photo by Pamela Raith |
Created by the same team behind Six the Musical, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World tells the story of a young girl called Jade, an inquisitive young girl who escapes into a new exhibit at a museum. She is desperate for adventure and to just be heard by those around her, and along the way meets some women who have made a lasting impression on history. But will they inspire her enough to leave her own mark on the world? Drawing inspiration from icons such as Emmeline Pankhurst, Rosa Parks and Marie Curie, you follow their stories, learn their tales and find out just how their small actions made a big impact, no matter the adversity they faced.
Each song is based on the life of these inspirational women and blends across various genre's to tell these stories. From the opening number to the final bows, each song you listen to soon becomes your favourite, that is until you hear the next one, and are then left at the end wondering just when you can hear them again. We loved the Little Mix inspired song sung by Pankhurst "Deeds Not Words", and the futuristic feel of "Mary, Mary and Marie" that is still working its way in my brain now.
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| Photo by Pamela Raith |
Each song felt perfectly suited, perfectly composed, and just the perfect fit for this fantastically great show. And finally, the new feminist anthem of musical theatre has arrived in the show's closer "Fantastically Great", a song that actually made me a tad emotional as it just screams inspiration, collaboration and female empowerment. I have to completely commend the 3 members of the musical team who bring these songs to life. A special mention must go to Nicola T.Chang who took to the stage with buckets and drums and wowed the audience (especially Max!).
The casting was beyond perfect. We are already huge fans of Renee Lamb, who we recently saw in Be More Chill, but she took to each role in this show with such ease, that we fell in love with her even more. We were blown away by the comedy genius and timing of Christina Modestou, who had us in fits of laughter with her comedic timing, especially as Jane Austen! Max adored Jade Kennedy's portrayal of Frida Kahlo, and watched in awe as she brought colour to the stage with such magic and wonder. Frances Mayli McCann, did a brilliant job as both Emmeline and Agent Fifi, switching between such different roles that we could barely keep track!
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| Photo by Pamela Raith |
Each and every adult cast member added something special to the show to give it that complete star quality, one that has made us automatically look to see if we can get more tickets. The young cast were absolutely brilliant. Not only did they remain on stage throughout the whole show, they participated in every number, were involved throughout and really just made a stand out performance that should be commended.
With bold staging and even bolder costumes, you will be blown away by the simplicity of the set and how just some boxes and neon lights can change the room entirely. Team that with simple and quick costume changes, the cast took you on a whistle stop tour through history, one sequin and neon dinosaur hat at a time. From start to finish the show, it's presentation and songs were fun. They educated whilst not preaching, and put a smile on my face and a tear in my eye as I realised how much of an impact this show will have on young people's lives.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is a show that will rock the theatre world, it will cause a scene and make itself known for all the right reasons. It's a show that will stand the test of time and gain a following, empower young women, and educate the masses. Based at just over 70 minutes in length, it's the perfect musical for young audience members who haven't yet mastered a full length show, and also those that want a show with a difference. Fantastically Great Women are going to change the world, one stage at a time. And we are so grateful we have been part of this magic.
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| Photo by Pamela Raith |
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is on at the MAST Mayflower Studios until 20th November before embarking on a UK tour. We urge you to buy tickets and we promise you will love it as much as we do.
*Note: I was gifted tickets for the purpose of this review. But all opinions are my own.
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