Review: I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical, Wilton’s Music Hall

Review: I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical, Wilton’s Music Hall

Summary

Rating

80

Excellent

A hilarious, honest look at what the world of musical theatre is really like. Along with witty lyrics and inside jokes, there are also some unexpectedly heart-warming moments.

Having had multiple runs over the past few years, with the most recent being at Edinburgh Fringe this August, I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical is now playing at Wilton’s Music Hall and features three brand new songs.

The story takes you on a journey from the first show that sparked the characters’ dreams of becoming performers, through tedious auditions, to landing an understudy role then the coveted lead, with plenty of backstage drama in between.

The set is simple with a large, golden, glistening star in the centre. Two smaller – but equally sparkly – stars are set either side of the stage. To the left sits writer and pianist, Alexander S. Bermange, at a keyboard, from where he makes witty quips and banters with the audience.

A box on stage contains various props including a water bottle, vocal steamer and tin of chicken soup. These are plucked out by Sev Keoshgerian, as he portrays a martyr-like character, bravely continuing to perform despite battling illness.

The opening number stands out as one of the show’s best songs. It’s fun to pick up as many musical theatre references as you can. Yet, even if you’re unfamiliar with them, it doesn’t diminish the enjoyment of the song. It dissects and deconstructs itself as it explains what an opening number does: “It’s how the company of a musical says hello.”

Bermange finds a very successful balance between satire and celebrating musical theatre. The titular song justifies why living in a musical would be wonderful, but also comically contemplates the potential downsides, such as; you might be orphaned, might be turned into a pie, but worst of all, you might have to sing with Russell Crowe. Caldwell’s voice excels in this solo performance, and her comedic timing is unmatched.  

Other numbers in the show portray musical superfans who spend more money on their favourite shows than their household bills. Rhidian Marc has a solo depicting a showcase going wrong: a piano key is faulty, so he has no choice but to go up, and up, and up a key. Julie Yammanee is hilarious in “I Love to Sing”, a ‘tribute’ to celebrity casting. She is purposefully slightly off-key: a difficult feat for someone who can actually sing well.

Even the audience do not leave unscathed. Bermange has crafted a new track where the cast sing pointedly to us about those who distract them with noisy snacks, lots of coughing and daring to sing along. Given the recent prominence of these issues in theatres, it’s a relatable, relevant addition.

While the music and lyrics are undeniably brilliant and catchy, the narrative would benefit from more of a focused direction. The basic storyline is easy enough to follow, but the show might be elevated if the structure was tighter.

That being said, it is wonderful to see such a talented cast perform. Their enthusiasm and joy are infectious. This is particularly emphasised during the finale, “Magic’s Making Me”. After several comedic songs, where the actors have accents, or sing out of tune for laughs, it is lovely to hear them singing sincerely, as they list why they continue to perform despite the challenges. All four voices blend perfectly, making it a tune that I can envision every musical enthusiast playing on repeat.

I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical is a fantastic piece of musical theatre that anyone could enjoy. It is also a tribute to the actors who perform for us so dedicatedly despite the complex dance routines, the divas and frustrating auditions. This is a well written, expertly performed production, capturing that magical sense of musical theatre that we all love.

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Written by Alexander S. Bermange
Director and choreographed by: Matthew Parker

I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical plays at Wilton’s Music Hall until 9 September. Further information and bookings can be found here.