Review: PIPPIN, Charing Cross Theatre

Photo credit: Edward Johnson

Passion, Besties. This is the only way I can explain this performance to you.

The Charing Cross Theatre’s production of Stephen Schwartz’s Pippin is an exciting and joyous musical to watch. The plot follows the story of a performance company telling audiences the story of Pippin, the first son of Charlemagne. As Pippin tries to find the true meaning and importance of life, his focus ends up clouding his judgement, causing him to miss all the good and exciting things around him.

This musical is a pure delight and it feels like a show that can be interpreted in many different ways. In this version, we step into a world of free spirited and care free characters with a fantastic set design (by David Shields), featuring dream catchers and fairy lights. The comedic value of the performance is perfectly blended with emotional and tender moments - it will make you laugh, cry and even ask yourself what you value most in life. Though all of the performers play a part in the multi-roling of characters, all characters are well defined. No one character is the same.

All this, alongside a talented cast of performers, makes this a spectacular story to witness. Pippin (played by the fantastic Ryan Anderson) is a character that many of us can connect with. As he searches for the meaning of and importance of life, he loses sight of all the wonderful things that are right in front of him, like love and family. Sometimes when we try to place a value onto something, we can never truly discover what that means. 

However, the character that stands out the most and who will forever remain memorable is Catherine (played by the incomparable Natalie McQueen). She is a widowed mother, raising a young child whilst trying to keep up her estate. She is everything that we should respect in 21st century women. Although she does not need Pippin in her life, the impact he has on her life causes her to confront her past and open up to new beginnings. But at the same time, she encourages Pippin to remember that life is not about being perfect all of the time. For a so-called “broken” woman, she is incredibly strong and a perfect example of feminine power in our day and age. 

This musical is a fascinating story and one all of you should see, Besties. It is a show that can be anything you want it to be, meaning the message you choose to take away from it is up to you. For some it may push you to enjoy life more and for others, it may mean taking a step back and remember the amazing things you have in your life right now. 

But for me, Besties, all I could think was how incredible it was to see this fantastic cast give so much energy to this performance after the pandemic. Truly inspiring. 

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Megan Webb

Pippin continues at the Charing Cross Theatre until 14 August.