Following its successful debut just last year, Julie The Musical returns to Manchester at Hope Mill Theatre to exhilarate audiences yet again! Set in the 17th century, the show lets us into the crazy adventures of icon Julie D’Aubigny- one of the first public figures to live as an openly ‘flaming bisexual’ woman! These scandalous escapades vary from running away with her fencing master to burning down convents. Written and directed by Abey Bradbury (who notably starred as Julie last year), this show celebrates the LGBTQ+ community in an exuberant and inventive way.

From the outset, the pre-set of all five cast-members onstage establishes the immersive and joyous nature of the show. 17th century inspired, the set is centred around oval doorframes which are utilised as stage doors for the performing company. Although this particular piece of set could have been used in a more inventive way, the use of posters reading things such as “cast list” and “The Five Rules of Stage Combat” merely amplifies the light-hearted, fun feel to the show. To add to this, fur coats, costume railings, mannequins, instruments, microphone stands, hats etc. scattered about the stage embraces queer theatre as a community, as well as hinting at the beautiful chaos of the show.

Designed by both Bradbury and Rebecca Cox, the costumes are exquisite in capturing the eccentric essence of the show. White shirts with details of gold and lace are layered in a way that makes 17th century fashion seem enviable. Even without the whirlwind of a narrative, the white heeled go-go boots worn by all cast members, despite Julie who wears a (just as iconic) purple boot, are stand-alone enough to make you want to watch this show.

Undoubtedly, the incredible talent of the cast is what makes the show so successful. As soon as the show begins, the array of personalities shine through to the audience- lighting up faces with their witty interpretations and unique quirks. Throughout the show, multi-rolling is cleverly utilised to transform a five-person ensemble into a tale of sixteen characters. D’Aubigny’s use of multi-rolling is applaudable in the way that each character is unique and enhances the storyline. If this isn’t impressive enough, this multi-talented, actor-musician cast are also to praise for the show’s simple yet effective, upbeat and playful soundtrack using an array of instruments. Ranging from using violin bows as swords to a chorus of kazoos, there is nothing that this cast aren’t capable of.

Starring as Julie, Sam Kearney-Edwards brings a perfectly comedic yet admirably warming and emotive side to Julie. Throughout the musical, their rich, rock-style quality-type vocal sound makes the musical more than pleasurable to embrace. Combined with the beautiful voices of Sophie Coward, Georgia Liela Stoller, Fabien Soto Pacheco and Alexander Tilley, the harmonies perfectly tie the narrative together to create the effect of a musical interlude rather than separate songs.

Flying the flag for the Queer community, comments of political satire are made such as “lesbians aren’t real” (sang in an angelic five-part harmony!) to emphasise the stupidity of those in society who still oppose homosexuality, as well as adding to the hilarity of the show.

Towards the end of the narrative, Marie, played by Georgia Liela Steller, and Julie’s romantic reunion feels nothing but pure and inevitable, fulfilling the hearts of all. At points, some sub-plots feel unnecessary and prolonged which, at times, distracts from the main narrative. Despite this, the musical embraces freedom in every way, preaching that an “unnormal life” is the best life to live, Julie The Musical arrives just in time for summer to inspire us to live our best life unapologetically!

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Lucy Bevan

Julie the Musical plays at Hope Mill Theatre until 24 June before visiting Hull, Prescot, Leeds and London, with further information here.