Review: IN DREAMS, Leeds Playhouse
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
We never quite know what to expect with new musicals; sometimes the idea works on the page and not on the stage, sometimes it’s the other way round… and sometimes they hit the mark on every single point and Besties, In Dreams does exactly this!
Our first thought was wow! Our last thought was wow! And everything in between was a double wow!
Set in Mexico, In Dreams is the story of the former lead singer of a country-rock band who gathers her old bandmates together to celebrate at “the party of a lifetime”, without revealing the secret behind the invite. It’s a moving journey of love and connection in the face of life’s challenges.
It’s hard to point out the best bits because there are truly so many of them.
The book is written by David West Read (& Juliet, Schitt’s Creek), featuring the songs of Roy Orbison. It’s a funny, yet touching script that simply feels very real, so it’s immediately simple for the audience to engage and absorb. Direction by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?), What’s New Pussycat) has scenes moving cleanly and at a perfect pace throughout. West Read and Sheppard truly are the dream team of the moment.
Arnulfo Maldonado’s set, George Reeve’s video design, Howard Hudson’s lighting and Fay Fullerton’s costumes are sublime. Working seamlessly to create the perfect backdrop for this story, nothing is out of place or questionable, everything makes perfect sense. Incorporating the theme of Mexico’s Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration as the underlying influence to the story.
The casting is faultlessly on point. Oliver Tompsett as Ramsey provides comedy and charisma as the former drummer who tries to prove he has finally grown up and can love someone in the way that they deserve. Leon Craig, playing Tom, is just one of the most endearing characters in musical theatre. He is the groupie who gets to befriend his favourite band and is not ashamed to fangirl about it! So, so funny and just beautifully played.
Our protagonist is Kenna (played by Lena Hall) and is the biggest wow of the show. What an incredible voice. Her vocal range interchanges during musical numbers from rock to soft ballads, and is just seamlessly incredible. Her embodiment of the character is such a joy to be in the room with.
We experienced tears of sadness, tears of joy and so many pure goosebump moments, it was easy to forget that this is only the first outing for this production. Everything just sits comfortably and works so well.
Musical supervision by Catherine Jayes is delightfully re-imagined; you don’t need to be a fan or even familiar with Orbison’s songs to enjoy this production.
The only question that remains is ‘was In Dreams created to include Orbison’s legacy or did Orbison’s legacy exist to create In Dreams?’
Overwhelmingly beautiful.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin
In Dreams plays at Leeds Playhouse, Courtyard until 5 August, with further information here.