Review: MILLENNIALS, The Other Palace
Photo credit: Danny Kaan
While home to Heathers for the time being, The Other Palace is still finding space to showcase exciting new British musical theatre writing in the form of Millennials in their studio space. A real treat for not only the eyes and ears, but all of the senses...
The first thing you'll notice is PINK. The studio has been taken over by vibrant decor resembling the imaginations of many like-minded... well... Millennials' childhoods. It sets an atmosphere, which carries through the entire experience of fun, freedom and vibrancy. Set (and lighting) designer Andrew Exeter has created a wonderful abstract world in which to stage Elliot Clay's songs. And of course, it's impossible not to mention the huge avocado trampoline that serves as a stage.
As for the music, it's incredibly catchy. Even without a narrative to connect the songs to, one is able to recount many of the tunes on the way home and beyond. We can't get ‘See You’ out of our heads even now! Elliot Clay is definitely one to watch out for. While the music within this is easy to compare to the likes of other modern pop musicals, we sense that he's on the brink of developing his own style that promises to bring a youth and freshness to musical theatre.
The songs become mini explorations of different aspects of Millenials life. They manage to cover a lot more ground than you'd expect and some are even surprisingly emotional, whether that's joy or sadness, you're guaranteed to feel it all in this show if you tune into the lyrics.
And you're in a safe space to experience those emotions. The ensemble of six young performers create a supportive atmosphere within the space; they'll sit with the audience and listen to their peers sing as a best friend would. They'll talk and interact with the audience as if they've known them all their lives. The word welcome truly comes to mind.
It's an atmosphere that breeds joy and positivity and all while making it seem effortless. We look forward to the future of Elliot Clay and are excited about his work-in-progress projects.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Callum Wallace
Millennials plays at The Other Palace until 4 September, with tickets available here.
