Choreomania (BYMT). Photo by David Lindsay.
Choreomania, Birmingham Hippodrome (Patrick Studio),
In 1518 a “dancing plague” fell upon Strasbourg in France. A local woman started ‘dancing’ and couldn’t stop. It then spread to others and in a plague-like fashion took over many of the citizens. This strange epidemic lasted for a few months before it suddenly stopped. The cause for this strange phenomenon was never discovered. Was it hysteria? Was it poisoning? We’ll probably never know. Because of this however it gives free reign for its retelling.
Here we have a brand new one-act musical which aims to tell its version of the tale. As the story begins times are hard. There is a famine. People are starving, poor and desperate. So when a woman starts to convulse and then uncontrollably throw herself around – is she ill? Crazed? Hysterical? No one knows but when she is unable to be stopped and then others start to do the same panic hits the streets.
This is of course set to music. Although it is set in the 16th century don’t expect the dancing to accompanied by madrigals or to be played by a lute. The music is electronic beats, fast and exciting. This helps convey how much these people were compelled to move. As it’s a musical there are of course songs, and these are strong and really help tell the story (book and lyrics by Evie Press, music by Evie Atkin – who also serves as musical director).
It should be pointed out that this production is presented by BYMT (British Youth Music Theatre). Therefore everyone on stage is aged 11-21 and this is phenomenal really considering they are mounting a brand new musical. BYMT provide workshops, camps, and productions for young people to take part in providing them with invaluable experience within the arts. Being original music theatre productions also means they are seeing the whole process which is absolutely fantastic.
A cast of thirty six young people give everything to this show. There is some extremely strong dancing, and singing and we are without doubt seeing some future musical theatre stars here.
A wonderful new piece of musical theatre delivered passionately by everyone involved.
They should be very proud of themselves – and from the huge cheer that came from backstage at the end of the show I think they are! Bravo.
4 stars, The future of musical theatre is safe in these hands.
