Review: CELLS, Metta Theatre (Online)

They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and this global pandemic has pushed the theatre industry into exploring new ways of making things work. The world wide web is now the biggest stage in the world and creatives have fully embraced the idea of producing content for online audiences. One of the newest offerings in the world of digital theatre is Cells, a brand-new episodic musical from Metta Theatre, one of the UK’s leading production companies devoted to developing British musical theatre. 

Cells, which was written, developed and filmed during lockdown by P Burton-Morgan and composer Ben Glasstone, tells the story of two ordinary men whose lives become intertwined after a chance meeting in a kebab shop after a night on the town. The film, which has a full running time of just over half an hour, stars Olivier Award winner and patron to Metta Theatre Clive Row, alongside up and coming star Lem Knights. 

This sung through piece follows the two men as they reach pivotal moments in their lives, with Rowe’s character leaving his job for something new and Knight’s character starting university. Each have to make important decisions about their lives and face up to things from their pasts so that they can move forwards. The story is touching and one that could possibly strike a chord with those who have had similar experiences. 

Both Rowe and Knights give impressive performances, both with their acting and vocals. We see the entire story through their eyes as they tell us their truth and introduce us to the important people in their lives. There is a believable chemistry between the pair, and both characters are likeable. 

The songs, whilst perhaps not earworms, are charming and honest. There’s no sugar-coating as the characters embrace their flaws and reach important decisions, and the music acts as a guide through the stories of the two characters as they overlap and fit together like puzzle pieces. 

Cells, released in partnership with the Royal & Derngate Theatre, is a true to life musical that brings the story of these two men to life in a believable manner and features great performances from both actors.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Rebecca Wallis

The full film is available today and is free to all via YouTube with a suggested donation (£3 per episode, £10 for the whole film)