Review: FLY MORE THAN YOU FALL, Southwark Playhouse
Photo credit: Craig Fuller
Fly More Than You Fall, a brand new musical with music and lyrics by Nat Zegree and book and lyrics by Eric Holmes, is currently playing at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant. This emotionally charged production deftly explores the complexities of grief, using stunning musical numbers and an imaginative narrative structure to take the audience on an intense yet uplifting journey. At the heart of the story is Malia, played by Robyn Rose-Li, whose world is shattered when her mother, Jennifer—played by Tony-nominated Broadway star Keala Settle—is diagnosed with terminal cancer. To cope, Malia turns to her writing, where a bold and spirited bird named Willow, portrayed by Maddison Bulleyment, represents her inner voice and emotional escape.
The title song, ‘Fly More Than You Fall’, which sparked the creation of the musical, is particularly poignant. Its beauty is undeniable, and each reprise strengthens the themes of resilience and hope. As the song recurs, it becomes a reminder that, despite inevitable hardships, there’s always a chance to rise again. The music, composed by Nat Zegree, weaves seamlessly through the production, from lively, hopeful melodies to more stripped-back, reflective songs that beautifully echo Malia’s emotional highs and lows.
Robyn Rose-Li delivers a technically impressive and emotionally rich performance as Malia, balancing moments of defiance with vulnerability in her versatile voice. Keala Settle’s powerhouse portrayal of Jennifer is equally beautiful, blending warmth and heartbreak as a mother trying to prepare her daughter for the inevitable. Their harmonies are stunning, adding layers of depth to their relationship. Maddison Bulleyment’s Willow contrasts Malia with her bright, animated tone, offering a more whimsical reflection of Malia’s internal struggle. Together, their performances capture the delicate balance between hope and heartache.
Cavin Cornwall completes the family dynamic as Paul, Malia’s father. His dry humour brings some much-needed lightness to the emotionally heavy first half, while his portrayal of grief in the second act is raw and poignant. Cornwall’s performance subtly shows how Paul’s mourning influences Malia’s fictional world, deepening the emotional layers of the story and reinforcing the complex family dynamics.
Max Gill’s Caleb provides both comic relief and emotional support for Malia. Their lovable wit and impeccable timing bring much-needed lightness to the production. However, Gill skillfully tempers the comedy when required, turning Caleb into a crucial emotional anchor for Malia. Gill’s performance strikes the perfect balance between humour and heart, making Caleb both endearing and grounding in the show’s more intense moments.
Following Caleb’s lighter touch, Edward Chitticks delivers a compelling portrayal of Flynn, a character who adds depth to Malia’s internal world while raising the emotional stakes of her real-life journey. One particularly moving moment is when Flynn argues with Malia, cleverly mirroring the way authors describe their characters “speaking” to them. This scene forces Malia to confront her emotions, something she has long been avoiding.
Flynn and Willow, while imaginative characters, serve as important emotional mirrors of what Malia cannot yet accept in her real world. Their entrances, often marked by the joyful and colourful tossing of confetti, add a playful touch that the audience finds comical, but these moments also symbolise Malia’s way of distancing herself from the grief she faces. The confetti serves as a clever visual cue of the fictional world she’s created to cope with the painful reality she is avoiding.
The lighting design by Jack Weir perfectly mirrors Malia’s emotional shifts, starting as the audience enter with sombre, moody blues that foreshadow grief, then transitioning to brighter tones reflecting her denial and energy. Stewart J. Charlesworth’s set and costume design heightens this effect, using flexible, minimalist set pieces like paper-covered stairs and adaptable boxes that move between Malia’s reality and imagination. The bright costumes in the first half, especially for Malia and Willow, emphasise a time untouched by grief, while the muted tones that follow signal Malia’s journey toward acceptance.
The direction by Christian Durham ensures every emotional beat lands with precision. Under his guidance, the actors deliver raw, authentic performances, especially in the intimate moments between Malia and Jennifer. Durham’s pacing allows the show to flow effortlessly between lighter moments and scenes of emotional intensity. Flynn and Willow, portrayed by Edward Chitticks and Maddison Bulleyment, aren’t just whimsical characters; they reflect Malia’s real-world struggles, giving the audience a deeper look into her internal battle as she grapples with her mother’s illness.
The ensemble is equally strong, injecting energy and humour into the narrative. A standout number, ‘The Worst’, humorously highlights teenage concerns, offering a sharp contrast to Malia’s deeper emotional struggles. Modern touches, such as vocalised emojis during texting scenes, add comic relief without detracting from the emotional weight of the production. The balance between humour and heartache keeps the show engaging throughout.
Fly More Than You Fall is a triumph, blending imaginative storytelling, emotional complexity, and outstanding performances under the expert direction of Christian Durham. Fly More Than You Fall isn’t just a musical; it’s a rare theatrical experience that leaves audiences with a deeper understanding of grief, resilience, and the power of human connection. It’s a must-see for anyone seeking a moving exploration of life’s most challenging moments, and an experience that will linger long after the final bow.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Laura Harris