(Picture: Johan Persson)
Director: Christopher Ashley
Cast: Beverley Knight, Killian Donnelly
It’s time to head back in time and across the sea to 1950s Memphis, an era when music by someone of colour just wasn’t heard on radio stations with white listeners. Enter Huey, a man who sees the music of his neighbours as the music of his soul and makes it his mission to get everyone listening to it.
Killian Donnelly is absolutely superb as the hopeful, slightly erratic Huey, a man who sees no colour and hears only music. It is the meeting with Felicia that sparks his passion, and his new career on the radio. Felicia (Beverley Knight) is quite happy singing under the watchful eye of her big brother until the possibility of stardom lures her out into a world which doesn’t class her as worthy.
As you might expect from a production that has ‘musical’ in the title, the musical numbers are each stunning in their own right; some will make you want to get up and dance, some will have you sitting back in awe and others will have you laughing along heartily. Yet Memphis is so much more than a fun trip back to the funk and soul of the 1950s (which it is, in spades!). There is real emotion, real heart to the piece, with the blossoming relationship between the two main protagonists causing growing tension thanks to the angry eyes of those around them.
The central romance is something of an odd pairing at first, as their love for each other seems to be based more on the simple act of being seen by the other than a physical attraction. Huey is blown away by Felicia’s voice and she, in turn, is intrigued by this brave man who seems so set on making her a star. Their love grows, though, but as it does so does the fear and the need to find a place where they don’t need to hide their feelings.
Despite the incredible talents of the two leads, Memphis is not all about them. The supporting cast put in brilliant musical numbers, both vocally and in dance, and add real depth to the world from which our leads have come. Felicia’s over-protective brother Delray (Rolan Bell) is an intimidating but impressive presence and his deep, gravelly tones offer some of the most powerful musical numbers of the piece. Of course, even he cannot quite match those of Knight, who is mind-blowing as Felicia.
The only downside is that you have to sit down to watch it.
Memphis the Musical is fun, touching and full of an incredibly talented ensemble cast. It’s time to book your trip and head to Memphis!
[usr=4] Memphis The Musical is now playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London.
