Review: Urinetown, The University of Sheffield Drama Studio

What is Urinetown? It’s so many things!

It’s a satirical comedy set in a dystopian future where a twenty year water shortage has made private toilets illegal, and people are charged to use public amenities, which are controlled by a corrupt corporation.

It’s also the place that people who break the law are sent to, never to return. Well, euphemistically, anyway – no spoilers in this review!

Additionally, it’s a parody of the musical form and of several musicals and genres. People who don’t normally like the schmaltz of musicals will find a lot to like here.

The show’s narrator is Officer Lockstock, who breaks the fourth wall regularly to explain the situation to the audience. One other character, Little Sally, is also aware this is musical theatre and frequently challenges Lockstock, with the innocence of a child, on behalf of the audience. They are within and also outside the action, representing the people and the establishment and played to perfection by Joseph Walker and Katie Granger. Both have strong stage presence, great comic timing and excellent vocals.

Of course, musicals need heroes and villains and the show’s hero is idealistic Bobby Strong, in a highly impressive and very engaging performance from Neil Kirkman as the leader of the resistance. The chief villain is the owner of the ‘Urine Good Company’, Caldwell B. Cladwell. This is a terrific performance from Mark Holmes who does so well to keep his character believable, with far more depth than musical theatre villains often have. He is ably supported by fellow extortionists Steve Mather and Andrew Stansall.

The love interest is Cladwell’s daughter, Hope (Emily Germon). Hope had a sheltered upbringing and subsequently has a Pollyanna outlook. Germon perfectly captures Hope’s innocence and idealism, her singing is pure and clear and she has some surprisingly funny comedy moments. The scene where Bobby and Hope emulate the famous Titanic flying scene at the top of a ladder is very amusing and has the audience giggling.

The opening scene could be straight out of Les Miserables as the impoverished citizens group centre stage and fling their arms out to sing about their desperation. Once the resistance becomes established there are more nods, even a red flag waving at the back, tied to a mop and people carrying signs, one of which says ‘Do you hear the people pee?’

Several of the musical numbers are complex and challenging with many counter melodies and intricate harmonies. Hats off to musical director Steve Trotter and this hugely talented cast for executing them all with such skill and confidence. Adding in slick choreography makes each song a triumph. I particularly enjoyed the gospel style of ‘Run, Freedom, Run!’with a fabulous a capella choir section conducted by Bobby.

That members of an amateur theatre company can juggle their day jobs and produce such impressive quality in only nine weeks is testament to their talent and commitment. This is a superbly strong ensemble cast and every member gives their all.

Handsworth & Hallam Theatre Company has a reputation for making unpredictable selections for their musicals and offering Sheffield audiences productions they may never have seen before. I commend this bravery and hope that they continue to build a following eager to buy tickets to whatever they choose next.

Music & Lyrics by Mark Hollmann
Book & Lyrics by Greg Kotis
Directed by Matthew Walker
Assisted by: Jane Jefferson-Blythe
Choreographed by Hayley Wilbourne & Beth Cooke
Musical Direction by: Steve Trotter

Urinetown plays at The University of Sheffield Drama Studio until Saturday 7 June.