Review: HEAD OVER HEELS, Hope Mill Theatre

Photo credit: Pamela Raith

Making its European premiere, the totally rocking musical comedy Head Over Heels brings the music of The Go-Go’s to the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester.

Accompanying the 80s rock soundtrack of The Go-Go’s is Jeff Whitty’s book, adapted by James Magruder.  The story is based on Sir Phillip Sidney’s Renaissance tale The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia and the musical honours the 16th century language in which Sidney’s original story was written whilst adding a modern twist to it.

Both direction and choreography come from Tom Jackson Greaves.  Choreography for the production seems to have a blended style of 21st century commercial dance, elegant medieval partner dances fit for a royal court, and voguing to add to the 1980s fierceness of the music.  Some choreographic moments have more of a unique stylistic approach, particularly (without spoiling a fun little surprise too much) in a number between Musidorus and his “followers”.  There are a lot of creative choices that have been made through the collaboration of Jackson Greaves and the set & costume designer Sophia Pardon that are terrifically bold and clever, but not all of them feel like they’ve been utilised in the best way as some brilliant moments seem a bit too short lived.

Pardon’s set design with Jamie Platt’s lighting creates an edgy atmosphere and along with the costumes, puts a funky 80s twist on 16th century fashion.  Each performer has their own unique costume which exudes their individual confidence and indicates their characters position in the Arcadian Royal Court without being out right obvious, however they do have some costumes which have a literal description on the back for some of the ensemble’s multi-rolling moments and when Musidorus is in disguise.

With many of the stars of RENT returning to the Hope Mill Theatre for the production, the cast of Head Over Heels are all excellent and with support from the band (led by musical director Arlene Mcnaught) all give powerful vocal performances to bring the music of The Go-Go’s to life, specifically Jenny O’Leary’s performance as Pamela.  Other stand out performances come from Iz Hesketh as the mystical oracle Pythio and Daniel Page as the loyal yet humorous Dametas.

Head Over Heels rocks out at the Hope Mill and whilst not all directorial choices are used in the most effective way, this lively production showcases the incredible vocal talent of the cast and has striking choreography accompanying this tale celebrating love of many kinds.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Jess Dalloway

Head Over Heels plays at the Hope Mill Theatre until 4 March, with further information here.