Tuesday 7 April 2009

Jet Set Go - Jermyn Street Theatre

Jet Set Go
Book & Lyrics: Jake Brunger
Music & Lyrics: Pippa Cleary
Director: Luke Sheppard
Reviewer: Daryl Branch

Jet Set Go! Is Flying High

I first became aware of Jet Set Go! whilst at the Edinburgh Festival last year. It was only a short trip and unfortunately I never caught it, so I was pleased to see it is making a stop off in London!

This camp parody of life in the air written by Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary, takes us on a musical romp through the ups, downs, glitz and (lack of) glamour of life as a glorified waiter(ress).

We meet a whole raft of characters, very much based on stereotypes - and perhaps a little two dimensional, but nonetheless highly entertaining. The cast are a tight-knit ensemble and tackle the musical numbers with full gusto, relishing in their cartoon-like characterisations.

Of particular note was Hayley played by Amy Coombes. Her solo song about her various relationships back in the Valley’s is lots of fun and is delivered with great comedy timing – she steals the show!

Pippa Clearly’s music is very melodic and catchy. There are some great arrangements and the casts ability to blend the vocal harmonies is of great attribute to Candida Caldicot’s Musical Direction.

Directed and choreographed by Luke Sheppard, the show moves on at a face pace and is driven from start to finish. Sheppard includes some great choreography in the show, in fact I would have like to have seen more. There are also some great moments involving audience participation, and in such an intimate venue as Jermyn Street, one only feels that more of this would have made the audience feel part of the show.

Take Note Theatre surely have a hit on their hands with Jet, Set, Go!, the future of British Musical Theatre could well be safe their in hands and I look forward to their next production!

Jet Set Go runs at the Jermyn Street Theatre until the 18th April 2009
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