I have to admit, I had never heard of the musical and was expecting a story built around the greatest hits of The Who – so I was glad to discover it wasn’t anything like I had imagined. The musical has its roots in The Who’s fourth album, ‘Tommy’, a rock opera concept album that chronicles the life experiences and relationships of a deaf, dumb and blind boy. Those who have listened to the 1969 album, watched the 1975 Ken Russell film and seen a live staging will know that there are plot differences. What makes this version particularly special is that Pete Townshend’s direct involvement has meant two new songs were written exclusively for this touring production.
© Mike Kwasniak
Walking in to the auditorium immediately feels like a rock concert setting, with UV blue lights rotating around; and projections on a large piece of gauze that pulls away to reveal a larger than life set made up of steel panelled walls lined in dressing room light bulbs. One of the most recognisable of The Who songs is ‘Pinball Wizard’ and it was delivered in a number filled with multi colour magic thanks to Arnim Friess’ lighting and Neil Irish’s set design that complimented each other stunningly. They brought the stage to life with their light up chairs and LED strips floors and were equally matched by Mark Smith’s colourful and bold choreography which flowed seamlessly into one with the British Sign Language interpretation throughout.
© Mike Kwasniak
The show opens in present day with projections of tv monitors showing the portrayal of disability in the media and news stories including Trump’s infamous mocking of a disabled reporter – before we are transported to 1940 where it all begins. William Grint is captivating throughout as Tommy, powerfully showing the guilt he carries after witnessing his father’s brutal death while also giving one of the most uplifting performances in the number ‘I’m Free’. His father Captain Walker (Max Runham) is the only presence that filters through the noise of the world around him which Grint and Runham delivered with real poignancy. The unsavoury characters make for uncomfortable viewing and listening as they represent the dark side fuelled by sex and drugs. Uncle Ernie (Gary Robson) performances in ‘Fiddle About’ and ‘Tommy’s Holiday Camp’, a creepy Pinocchio Treasure Island style number are particularly harrowing through the lens of a light hearted character approach. A special mention must go to West End veteran and original cast member from the 1979 production, Peter Straker as the Acid Queen whose drag act presence was a force of nature with vocal range to match. Equally impressive was his accomplice Hawker played by Natasha Lewis who belted out numbers with great power, both gave phenomenal performances.
© Mike Kwasniak
Robert Hyman’s musical direction delivered rich melodies that were supported with audio description and captioning. The influences of the American Deep South in the hymn like song ‘Christmas’ was powerful in highlighting the persecution of Tommy and there were beautiful harmonies from the actors playing the Nurses in ‘It’s a Boy’ number which sent shivers down my spine. The disabled actors and able bodied actors were so in tune with one another through out and delivered a show of such high quality that was accessible to all. Kerry Michael has directed one of the most diverse and inclusive musicals I have ever attended and we need more of this in the mainstream !
© Mike Kwasniak
The Who’s Tommy will be continuing its run at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich from Wednesday 5th April until Saturday 15th April at 14.30 and 19:45. You can book your tickets from their website https://www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/shows/tommy/ or through their box office on 01473 295900
CAST
Cousin Kevin – Lukus Alexander
Nurse – Becky Barry
First Office & Voice of Tommy – Julian Capolei
Nurse – Amelia Cavallo
Mrs Simpson – Stacey Ghent
Tommy – William Grint
Specialist & Musical Director – Robert Hyman
Second Officer & Voice of Tommy – Matthew Jacobs-Morgan
Frank – Alim Jayda
Local Lass – Natash Julien
Barrister & Drums – Adam Langstaff
Hawker – Natasha Lewis
Voice of Nora – Shekinah McFarlane
Nora – Donna Mullings
Guitar – Tony Qunta
Uncle Ernie – Garry Robson
Captain Walker – Max Runham
Local Lad – Hearns Sebuado
Judge & Bass Guitar – Steve Simmonds
Rev Simpson – Anthony Snowden
Acid Queen – Peter Straker
Sally Simpson – Amy Trigg
CREATIVE TEAM
Music & Lyrics – Pete Townshend
Book by – Pete Townshend & Des McAnuff
Additional Music & Lyrics – John Entwistle & Keith Moon
Director – Kerry Michael
Dramaturg – Paul Sirett
Set & Costume Designer – Neil Irish
Musical Director – Robert Hyman
Choreography – Mark Smith
Lighting and AV Designer – Arnim Friess
Sound Designer – Andrew Johnson
BSL Creative Consultants – Jeni Draper and Daryl Jackson
Associate Director – Nicola Miles-Wildin
Fight Director – Bret Yount
Casting Director – Polly Jerrold
Assistant Musical Director – Olive Vibrans
Assistant Choreographer – Kevin Jewell
Creative Assistant – David Young
Creative Design Assistant – Nikki Charlesworth
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