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A showcase of talent and creativity from Jack Godfrey and Martha Geelan, Babies leaves the audience feeling nostalgic and thoroughly entertained.Summary
Rating
Excellent
After a successful workshop, concert at the Lyric Theatre and several EPs released, Babies the Musical hits The Other Palace this summer.
The plot is relatively straight forward; a group of year 11s are tasked with looking after plastic simulator dolls – intended as a cautionary measure after the girl in the year above got pregnant. Yet, this assignment goes beyond mere sex education homework; it brings with it plenty of family and relationship challenges.
With catchy songs, Babies contains a variety of genres from pop-rock songs to ballads. The opening number ‘Baby Baby Baby’ kicks off the show with exuberant enthusiasm. ‘Hot Dad’’ proves to be a crowd favourite, not just for its catchiness but for the engaging performance that comes with it. The chorography is fun and the hot dads (Ashley Goh, Bradley Riches, Nathan Johnston and Max Mulrenan) leap around the stage boyband-style, even getting one audience member involved.
Zoë Athena as Leah sings with precision and emotion about her absent mum, but her songs sound too similar. Yet, the harmonies in ‘Double Down’ are superb and I’m eagerly anticipating a full album of the show.
The stage is filled with scaffolding stairs leading to platforms. Designed by Jasmine Swan, tables for classrooms transform into teenage bedrooms, and movable lockers serve as dividers. The cast move seamlessly between scenes, utilising the set to create versatile settings.
At the back of the stage is a screen with a projection of a cloudy blue sky. In certain scenes it represents the sky above cliffs where the teens hangout, while during school lessons it symbolises the way we all used to day dream in class. Swan also designed the costumes. There’s a sense of unity due to the school uniforms they wear, but each character has their own individual style.
The cast are talented but one of the standout performances comes from Lauren Conroy as class geek, Jasmine. With the pressures of getting good GCSE results, Jasmine does whatever it takes to achieve, which she sings about brilliantly in her solo.
Lucy Carter as Lulu should also be mentioned. Her portrayal of desperate attempts to befriend popular girl Becky (Jaina Brock-Patel) is hilariously executed and her realisation – “you all are a bunch of wankers” – is satisfying to hear.
From powerful vocal performances and hilarious moments, to a clever use of the set and effective choreography, Babies is fun and nostalgic. With a bit more variety in songs for Leah, this new(born) musical undoubtedly has a big future.
Book and directed by: Martha Geelan
Music & Lyrics by: Jack Godfrey
Musical Supervisor & Vocal Arrangements by: Joe Beighton
Musical Direction by: Lauren Hopkinson
Choreographed by: Alexzandra Sarmiento
Set & Costume Designed by: Jasmine Swan
Lighting Designed by: Will Hayman
Produced by: Indigo Productions & Crossroads Live
Babies The Musical plays at The Other Palace until 14 July. Further information and tour dates can be found here.
