Review: CLOSER THAN EVER, Broadway HD/Ginger Quiff Media (Online)

Photo credit: Bonnie Britain

Closer Than Ever is a thought-provoking adult musical, exploring themes such as ageing, parenting, divorce and mature relationships. The 22-song sung through musical entertains audiences with a range of comical and brutally honest moments about adult living.

The most incredible thing about this musical is how, even though it was written in the 80s, the music and the messages are still entirely relatable. From reading books to discover the secrets to feeling youthful to explain the turmoil of speed dating again in your 40s, this musical has something that all audiences can relate to and understand.

With each new song comes a new character, which can be confusing at times. However, each moment is as heartfelt and thought-provoking as the last. But the humorous moments that make audiences laugh and nod in agreement creates the perfect blend to keep us engaged throughout. 

Fascinatingly, this musical is also a really simple example to show how attitudes towards mature living have changed over time. For example, the song ‘Life Story’ is a self-contained song that explores the story of a woman discussing the complications in her life such as her divorce from her husband, raising her son alone and the younger executives at her job questioning her life decisions. In the original review for this show in 1989, this song is described as “dreary” and is nothing but a “depiction of middle-aged women who contemplate their mildly disappointing lives.” However in the progressive world we live in, when situations like this arise, we actually celebrate the strength of women. Divorce is not as much of a taboo topic, single mothers are seen as goddesses with endless patience and strength, and ignorant colleagues are called out. 

The incredible cast (consisting of Kerry Ellis, Dalton Harris, Lee Mead and Grace Mouat) carry this show beautifully with authentic performances and strong vocals that make audiences melt. Each performer gives audiences beautifully tender moments, making us clutch at our heart strings but then in the space of 10 minutes, the tone instantly flips and we are watching a sequence of the quartet in the gym, attempting to make them feel youthful once again. It is kind of emotional whiplash but in the best way. They are characters that you can’t help but love and adore. Because they are real. 

After going through a global pandemic, with many of us feeling like robots in a lost world, this song-cycle is the perfect way to wake us up and reintroduce us to human emotions again. It can sometimes be easy to slip into feeling of a black and white world, but there is colour there and sometimes we just need to remember that. A perfect piece of theatre that audiences can enjoy from the comfort of their sofa. So grab a cup of tea and some popcorn, Besties, and enjoy this thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable performance.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Megan Webb

Closer Than Ever is now available to watch via Broadway HD here.