Review: BUT I’M A CHEERLEADER, Turbine Theatre (October 2022)
Photo credit: Mark Senior
Paul Taylor-Mills seems set to deliver on his promise of developing new work and bringing lesser known cult favourites to wider audiences. Having previously been workshopped and trialled as part of his MTFest portfolio, his adaptation of But I’m A Cheerleader is back in a fully-staged production, where it runs at Battersea’s Turbine Theatre until late November. Based on the 1999 film of the same name, the musical appears on the surface to be yet another piece of teen fluff. However, beneath its neon-pink exterior lies a journey of self-discovery, sexual awakening, and acceptance.
17-year-old Megan (Jessica Aubrey) likes vegetarianism, female athletes and Melissa Etheridge, all of which leads her very traditional parents (Kenneth Avery-Clark and Freddie Love) to suspect that she may be a lesbian, despite her relationship with boyfriend Jared (Michael Mather). The only thing that really makes total sense to Megan is her love of cheerleading, a world where she feels safe and in control. Desperate to put their daughter back on the path to the “straight” and narrow, Megan’s parents send her off to the True Directions facility, headed by Mary Brown (Georgina Hagen), which aims to rid its residents of any “unnatural” queer thoughts or identities. At a loss to understand why she’s been sent here, Megan meets Graham (Megan Hill), a magnetic and vibrant lesbian who knows exactly who she is, and lives in defiance of the facility’s intentions. Strong connections are formed, and Megan begins to see the world in far more shades of colour that she ever thought possible.
The list of musicals with queer primary characters whose stories are front and centre is really not very long at all (especially for such an inclusive industry and art form), so it’s great to see a show like But I’m A Cheerleader where LGBTQI+ characters are front and centre, and their stories are being told, rather than stereotyped peripheral characters who generally only serve as punchlines for straight audiences to laugh at. But I’m A Cheerleader isn’t afraid of its queerness, wearing it as a badge of literal Pride and smearing glittery pink warpaint over its face. That’s not to say it doesn’t touch on some serious issues, with mentions of electro-shock therapy reminding us that these kind of conversion therapy camps are still legal and doing so much damage to LGBTQI+ people.
Andrew Abram’s score is pop/rock infusion celebration of camp and is overflowing with character, with comedy numbers and heartfelt ballads being equally effective and enjoyable. The lyrics and book (Bill Augustin) are sharp with a biting edge, with some material definitely unsuitable for younger audiences. It keeps its tongue firmly in its cheek, never taking itself too seriously apart from when the characters’ motivations require it, and has some memorable lines that will repeat in your ears and make you giggle again on the train home. At times the lyrics get muddy in the ensemble numbers with everyone singing at the same time, and some of the clarity and cleverness is lost. Also the score has a few too many opportunities for over-riffing, singing 10 notes when 3 would’ve been just as effective, and a couple of almost inhumanly-high notes which threaten to border on screechy, despite the vocal talent behind them.
Performed in the intimate Turbine Theatre space, the show has a kitsch but modern feel, and snappy direction by Tania Azevedo gives the show a great energy and spark. Tonally, the show sits somewhere between the cute fluff of Legally Blonde and the darker edge of Heathers, and fans of either of those shows will be happy. Visuals are eye-catching, with David Howe’s lighting ensuring that the show pops with colour; this is a production that wants to be seen and brighten your day, which is certainly achieves. Limitations of the space mean that some performers’ entrances and exits can feel a little clumsy, and the set looks a little informal, but it’s all part of the charm.
Jessica Aubrey leads the show as Megan, channelling a young Olivia Newton John and delivering wide-eyed wholesomeness really well, as well as performing her solos with some grade-A belting (‘Graham’s Kiss’ in particular). As Graham, Megan Hill is magnetically charming, seductive without being predatory, and is hugely watchable. They share a fantastically believable chemistry, and really deliver the acting behind ‘If That’s What It Takes’. In the dual role of Jared and Rock, Michael Mather looks like he’s having the time of his life, and is equally impressive as the “dumb jock” and the flamboyantly flirtatious gay son of Georgina Hagen’s Mary. Hagen is also fantastic, as a character you should hate but delivering so many great lines with such timing that you love her anyway. And special mention needs to go to Noel Sullivan as “former homosexual” Mike. It’s a world away from his Hear’Say days, but Sullivan throws himself fully into the role and is great fun to watch.
But I’m A Cheerleader is a little rough around the edges, but its heart and warmth shine through, and once the cast end the show with the uplifting ‘Cheer’, you’ll want to grab your pom poms and do exactly that. The show is a beacon of joy and hope for today’s LGBTQI+ society who need to see queer stories told with positivity and love.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Rob Bartley
But I’m A Cheerleader plays at London’s Turbine Theatre until 27 November, with tickets available here.