Review: THE RUFF TUFF CREAM PUFF ESTATE AGENCY, Belgrade Theatre Coventry

Photo Credit: Robert Day

The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry have joined forces with Cardboard Citizens and Coventry UK City of Culture to create the brand new musical The Ruff Tuff Cream Puff Estate Agency, which celebrated its worldwide premiere this week as part of Coventry City of Culture’s arts and homelessness festival, Home (8 – 16 October 2021, coinciding with World Homeless Day on 10th October).

It tells the true story of revolutionaries who created the world’s first estate agency for squatters in London the 1970’s, providing free accommodation for anyone in need and during its existence it homed over 3000 people in need and founded ‘The Free and Independent Republic of Frestonia’ in Notting Hill in 1977, aptly named after one of the roads within the 1.8 acre microstate.

This unique piece contains original music from Chumbawamba’s guitarist Boff Whalley, with clear influences of Chumbawama’s ska style. The book was created by Coventry born Sarah Woods and is directed by Adrian Jackson. 

The strong professional cast, whom are all accomplished musicians, lead an inspiring choir of Coventry residents whom have in some way been affected by homelessness.

Joseph Tweedle leads the piece in the role of John “Mad Dog” Sky, founder of The Ruff Tuff Cream Puff Estate Agency. Tweedle is eccentric, passionate and inspiring in the role, portraying the stresses of trying to establish equal access to housing regardless of social class or financial stability. Tweedle frames the production eloquently as a show (within a show), adding gentle humour and setting the tone for the evening. This is a musical, yes, but it’s based on true events and has a powerful message to deliver. 

Hollie Cassar is simply brilliant, playing multiple instruments and characters with apparent ease. The duet with distracted and oblivious partner Alan, played by Matt Burns whilst portraying the role of Rosie, is the most memorable song of the entire piece. 

Sound levels make some of the words a little difficult to grasp but the sentiment is clear and the endearing qualities brought to the role shine through. 

The entire professional cast and supporting chorus bring life to this Coventry stage. All are clearly passionate about the message they are bringing, but the book is in need of edit. Each story is too thin to fully invest in and the songs all blur into one with very little dynamic or variety. For this reason, this reviewer has omitted a star rating, because it will pull away from the intentions of the piece.

As a piece of theatre, there isn’t a lot to pull you in. The incredible talent on stage do a wonderful job with the material they have; but in this case its greater purpose is to encourage the supporting of one another, investing and getting involved with the wider community, ensuring no person is left behind.

The Ruff Tuff Cream Puff Estate Agency plays at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry until 16 Oct. To book tickets, please click here.