Review: REHAB THE MUSICAL, Playground Theatre
Photo credit: Mark Senior
“One minute, day, hour at a time” reads a large sign on the back wall of the space as we take our seats for the world premiere of Rehab The Musical. It is a common mantra used in rehabilitation, whether that be from substance abuse, mental health issues or other forms of trauma. The set feels quite institutional, and some carefully positioned chairs give the impression of a meeting space of sorts.
Set at the eve of the new millennium, Rehab tells the tale of Kid Pop, a manufactured music artist who gets caught on camera taking drugs. In court, he is sentenced to 60 days in rehab, a punishment which he decides will be a walk in the park, and a break from the spotlight for a while. The shows first number, simply titled ‘Wanker’, does a marvellous job of summing up Kid Pop’s character, and the story moves swiftly on to him living up to the title as he meets the other residents of “The Glade”. The exclusive facility is also treating a tanning addict, a compulsive eater and a sex addict among others, and these characters are all well entrenched in the rehabilitation process.
The production feels more poignant when you learn that it is inspired by writer Grant Black’s own experiences and his time in a rehabilitation facility. The patients’ issues are treated sensitively, but with a warm humour that allows us to see each character as more than their addiction.
The cast are a joy to watch. Keith Allen is superbly cast in the role of Malcolm Stone , Kid Pop’s sleazy agent who is out for every penny he can get, no matter the physical, emotional or monetary cost to his client. Jonny Labey as Kid Pop is the epitome of a 90s male popstar heart throb, including questionably gelled hair, a union jack t-shirt and some very dodgy sunglasses! It is not until Act Two that we empathise with him even slightly but once we meet his softer side, it is impossible not to root for him to triumph over his awful agent.
Lucy is an ex stripper, who is placed in the rehab facility by Stone to get photos of Kid Pop to keep his story on the front pages of the tabloids, and Gloria Onitiri portrays the emotional turmoil of the character with real sensitivity. John Barr brings wonderfully comic relief as Barry Bronze, the tanning addict, and Phil Sealy plays the loveable Phil - who has a few little secrets up his sleeve! Jodie Steele gives a stunning performance as Beth Boscombe, Malcom Stone’s high achieving assistant, who is always two steps ahead of the game, and delivers a deliciously malice filled rendition of ‘Die at Twenty Seven and You’ll Live Forever’.
Grant Black and Murray Lachlan Young have written some fantastically catchy numbers which have a real 90s feel about them and the cast are all exceptionally gifted vocalists. Standout vocal numbers come from Gloria Onitiri singing ‘Through his Eyes’, and Marion Campbell and Onitiri dueting on ‘Museum of Loss’. The closing number ‘Just for Today’ is a beautiful, incredibly moving end to the piece.
There is a lot to enjoy in Rehab but it still feels like there is further development to be done, and hopefully the show will be given the chance to progress further in the not too distant future.
**** Four Stars
Reviewed by: Sarah Brown
Rehab The Musical plays at the Playground Theatre until 17 September, with tickets available here.