‘Go Eugenius, Go Eugene!’ Eugenius, Bob Hope Theatre, Sidcup. 14.10.2026
It was a pleasure to be back with the Bromley Players, a company whose productions I have enjoyed attending with my daughter on a number of occasions. Returning to review the opening night of Eugenius!, I was eager to see how they would bring this energetic and quirky musical to life.
Eugenius! is a fun, high-energy British musical set in the 1980s that combines superhero adventure, comedy, and plenty of synth-pop-inspired music. Written by Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins, it follows the story of Eugene, a shy teenage comic book fan who dreams of becoming a successful creator. Following three successful London runs and the development of a loyal cult following, Eugenius! has become a much-loved musical among theatre fans. With performance rights now available to amateur and community theatre groups, audiences beyond the capital have the opportunity to experience its infectious score, nostalgic 1980s charm and uplifting message. The Bromley Players are one such company to embrace the challenge, bringing this larger-than-life superhero adventure to the Bob Hope Theatre, Sidcup, and introducing a local audience to the world of Eugene and his comic book creations.
The set design was perfectly suited to the production, embracing the same kind of simplicity that has helped make Eugenius! so effective in its professional productions. Rather than relying on elaborate scenery, the staging allowed the story, characters and comic-book energy to take centre stage. One feature I particularly loved was the slide, which added a wonderful sense of fun and playfulness to the action. In fact, it looked so enjoyable that I found myself wanting a go! Equally impressive was the creative approach to the props, many of which were presented in a cartoon-inspired style that reflected the show’s comic-book roots. This not only reinforced the visual identity of the production but also brought a unique charm and originality to the stage, demonstrating both imagination and attention to detail from the creative team.
The set design was perfectly suited to the production, embracing the same kind of simplicity that has helped make Eugenius! so effective in its professional productions. Rather than relying on elaborate scenery, the staging allowed the story, characters and comic-book energy to take centre stage. One feature I particularly loved was the slide, which added a wonderful sense of fun and playfulness to the action. In fact, it looked so enjoyable that I found myself wanting a go! Equally impressive was the creative approach to the props, many of which were presented in a cartoon-inspired style that reflected the show’s comic-book roots. This not only reinforced the visual identity of the production but also brought a unique charm and originality to the stage, demonstrating both imagination and attention to detail from the creative team.
Leading the magnificent trio was newcomer Logan McQuillan, who simply embodied Eugene from the moment he stepped on stage. He brought a warmth and sincerity to the role, complemented by a rich vocal tone that made the character instantly likeable. His chemistry with Shannon McCarthy as Janey was a joy to watch unfold. While Janey’s feelings appeared more obvious from the outset, this perfectly suited the narrative, making Eugene’s eventual realisation of his own feelings all the more believable and rewarding. Shannon delivered a beautiful vocal performance throughout, particularly shining in the more emotional solo numbers, where her voice effortlessly captured both power and vulnerability. She perfectly portrayed Janey’s blend of intelligence, kindness and unapologetic geekiness, making the character instantly relatable.
Completing the central trio was Jack Wilding as Feris, who quickly established himself as an audience favourite. His impeccable comic timing, infectious energy and endearing innocence ensured there was rarely a moment when he wasn’t raising a smile. One particular highlight was No Pants Dance, which showcased both his comedic ability and stage presence to great effect. All three performers demonstrated strong vocals and wonderful chemistry, although it was occasionally a shame to hear the sound balance struggling to fully support them. That said, this is often the nature of opening night, and with a few technical adjustments as the run progresses, there is every reason to expect this aspect to settle and allow these performances to shine even more brightly.
If you’re already a fan of Eugenius!, you can rest assured that the Bromley Players have delivered a production that does this cult favourite proud. From the inventive staging and strong characterisation to the infectious energy of the cast, it’s clear that everyone involved understands exactly why the show has earned such a devoted following. For those who have yet to experience the world of Eugene, Janey and Feris, there could hardly be a better introduction. Judging by the fact that my daughter has barely stopped singing the songs since we left the theatre, don’t be surprised if you find yourself joining the Eugenius! fandom before the final curtain falls. Go Eugenius! and go Bromley Players!
Tickets are still available here. and the run will finish on Saturday 17 October
