The buzz around this new ‘musical, come gig, come ballet’ Cake: The Marine Antoinette playlist is understandable. It feels as through the small tour this production has embarked upon in 2023 is designed to gather a fan base and it certainly will do just that.
A reimagined telling of the story of Marine Antoinette’s part in the French revolution gives a great premise for a production. A fun and modern look into history brings to life little know story of the beginning of the revolution. This is really Jeanne’s story, highlighting the power that the people have, even if it was not what they fully intend.
Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (Book) and Tasha Taylor Johnson (Music and Lyrics), both have forged a production with strong foundations, that is destined to have success. It is only let down currently by what is on the stage, it is in no way a bad show but does feel as though the production value disappoints the work of Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and Tasha Taylor Johnson.
The creative team have appeared to play it safe, not taking any risks and almost trying to carbon copy the charisma of SIX. Understandable why when the production follows a similar genre of performance, however this production can never be SIX- it just simply is not the same story. It needs to find its own spotlight and step into it.
One perfect production element is the lighting design, which is interesting, fun and integrated. It transformed the Theatre Royal Plymouth Drum stage into a new venue, making the space feel much grander. It is a shame that the same can’t be said for the Sound design, the blend of lyrics and music were messy, making it difficult to hear.
Although it appears a harsh review it is only matching to this productions potential. I truly see this production selling out the biggest theatres in the UK, in the future. It is destined to be the next revolutionary theatre production with a cult following. The Relevant themes to a modern audience surrounding people’s revolution and power in the ordinary person, resonates strongly in current circumstances, if it can capture this feeling all is left to say is… ‘Watch this Space’.
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