‘I Love to Boogie…’ 20th Century Boy the Musical, Orchard Theatre, Dartford.1106.2018
Last night I was back in Dartford for this weeks current show at the Orchard Theatre for a second helping of a different Jukebox Musical, 20th Century Boy the Musical.
Tonight’s music star’s story was the rise and fall of Marc Bolan before he met his unexpected death at the young age of 29. I personally did not know a lot about Marc Bolan, only a few of his song I was aware were his. But this show tells is story brilliantly that is perfect for the stage along side its brothers and sisters. We learn about his back story from being the young London boy, with love for the music stars which drove him to make him self a star. With a few failed attempts, Marc meets his dream in the form of his group T-Rex and with it his first smash hit. Driven by his success his fight to break America becomes his focus, he forgets the fame he has risen in Britain and with it leaves his wife, band, and producer. A powerful dramatic story that leads to a untimely end.
The show displays all aspects of Marc’s life, but it wasn’t until he meets his wife June within Act 1 that the show started to flow and draw the audience in, Act 2 flowed perfectly displaying all emotions to his rise of fame and break down of his marriage and time a the top. With many of Marc Bolan classic such as ”Get It On’ ‘Ride a White Swan’ ‘I Love to Boogie’ and ‘Hot Love’ its clear why he was loved by many of his fans and especially those in the audience who couldn’t keep their bums in there seat and resist dancing in the aisles. It was a great atmosphere to be in, making you fall in love with his music for those that may not have known the songs.
The story was told on a simple set, but worked with the story and cast. I particular liked the in-between video screenings of the years of Marc life, but also the music of the time and many that we still love today. The finale in particular before the reprise sent shivers down my spine – its hard to explain but the final words can hit you hard, staying with you as you leave.
For such a powerful story it was amazing to see it took a cast of 9 to tell it, each with their own individual roles that played a part in Marc’s story:
Marc Bolan – George Maguire
June Child/Caroline – Sarah Moss
Gloria Jones – Ellena Vincent
Phyllis Feld – Amy Rhiannon Worth
Tony Visconti/Simon Napier-Bell – Derek Hagen
Steve/Mickey/Harry – Matthew Ashcroft
Helen Shapiro/Chelita Secunda – Kristina Lao – Kristina Lao
Ensemble – Amber Sylvia Edwards, Tim Bonser
Olivier Award winner George Maguire steps in the shoes of Marc Bolan, George shows his talent superbly as Marc, from his body language, stance to his voice and singing, he clearly did his research to ensure the audience get the full package. His two love interest join him, Sarah Moss portrays Junes emotions throughout that seemed so real, especially through her singing. Accompanied by Ellena strong belt the two made the perfect partners for George, even if the second love was an unexpected turn.
The rest of the cast were great to watch especially the band that created T-Rex, like some rock musicals its hard to hear vocals but this was perfect that allowed you to enjoy the lyrics and music coming out of those instruments. This Musical is not only for the fans of Marc Bolan, but a great night of classic British Rock, the audience loved it and you can understand why, not only do you get a great story but you experience some great music too. A great night out for theatre lovers.
20th Century Boy plays at the Orchard Theatre until Saturday 16th June, for all ticket information go here. It will then continue is final leg of its current tour, for all dates go here.
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