There’s a brand new musical on the block, and the punchy feminist romp is a clear successor to iconic plays like Bonnie and Clyde and Six. Based on the hit Hollywood film, released in 1991 and starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, the new show premiered at London’s Young Vic theatre this week.
The musical version follows that familiar story of best friends Thelma and Louise, who flee their hometown and unhappy home lives for a weekend of adventure that quickly goes wrong. A disturbing encounter at a bar changes everything, leading to a shocking murder and forcing the women on the run across America with the cops in tow.
And when I say disturbing, I mean it. The musical does not pull its punches. Call the Midwife star Rachel Tucker, as Louise, delivers some of the most impactful songs I’ve ever heard in a musical.
Shetland and Holby City actress Amy Lennox plays housewife Thelma, and manages to find the perfect balance between much-needed comic relief and her character’s heartbreaking journey.
My main issues with the show came from the set. Of course, since the movie revolves around a car as its central setting – a car that in many ways becomes its own character – it initially seems difficult to translate onto a stage. The car does make a rather impressive appearance at the beginning, but it’s never seen again, with the journey instead represented through lights and audio.
That isn’t the problem, however. The problem is that the main set is made to look like a bar – which makes sense, since many of the scenes take place in various dive bars – but also has to double as a motel, a police interrogation room, and a diner.
To achieve the effect, various signage is lit up on the wall behind the actors – for the motel scene, for instance, a pool sign is illuminated. But all the other signs – along with a pool table, bar taps and all the rest of it – are still visible, making it a bit of a confusing jumble.
It’s an issue I’m sure can be solved in a bigger theatre if the musical extends its run – and, after watching the performance, I’m sure it will. The songs here are powerful, with a country twang. The finale track, Awake, was my personal favourite from the show and a real standout that I reckon resonated with most of the female members of the audience.
At this point I’m begging for a studio cast recording to be released, because Thelma and Louise definitely contains some future West End classics.
I’m predicting it now – Thelma and Louise is going to be a success, once it works out its kinks. Its central cast are incredible and their voices all hold weight – but they’re also a delight to watch come alive on stage.
