Identical is a brand new musical based on the 1949 novel ‘The Parent Trap’ (originally named ‘Lisa and Lottie’) by Erich Kästner, premiering at the Nottingham Playhouse.

You may already be familiar with the premise of this story from either of the two popular Disney films. However, this show is more faithful to the original German book. It still retains the joyous, feel-good energy of the well-loved films; so it is definitely a must-see for fans.

The show follows bold Lisa Palfy and shy Lottie Horn; ten year old girls with very different lives who meet by chance at summer camp, only to discover that they are twins separated as babies when their parents divorced, each taking one girl. The girls quickly hatch a plan to completely swap lives so that each is able to spend time with the parent they never met. Lottie travels to Vienna to live Lisa’s life where their father Johan works as a musical conductor and composer, while Lisa goes to Munich where Lottie lives with their mother Lisalottie; a journalist. The girls soon face problems in their new lives and struggle to keep their cover; like when Lottie seems to have forgotten how to cook, or when Lisa appears to have spontaneously mastered the piano. It all becomes too much for Lottie however, when their father announces his engagement to his lead dancer. Can she keep them apart? And will the family ever get reunited?

Eden and Emme Patrick play the cheeky sisters perfectly. The girls are full of energy, emotion and confidence. They have brilliant comedic timing to have you giggling, as well as bringing to life really genuine, heartfelt relationships between the twins and their parents that might have you tearing up.

Emily Tierney and James Darch portray the parents beautifully, demonstrating their loving and kind natures, allowing you to really empathise with them and the difficult decision they made. Gabrielle Lewis-Dobson plays Miss Gerlach who has set her sights on marrying Johan and plans to send Lisa to boarding School. Gabrielle manages to play Miss Gerlach as a villain, whilst also bringing a genuine, human feel to her character, meaning that the audience just can’t hate her. 

Louise Gold and Michael Smith-Stewart inject lots of humour as Johan’s housekeeper Rosa and his friend Dr Strobl, particularly during their song ‘It’s Not For Me To Say’. Every role in the ensemble brings something special to the show, particularly Ellie Nunn’s role as Miss Ulrike; the hilarious, stressed out summer camp leader who opens the show. And of course, not forgetting the amazing group of children, who light up the stage, both playing named speaking roles and those in the ensemble.

Directed by Trevor Nunn, the show is beautifully staged, using elaborate set pieces, as well as large screens that allow the scenes to transition quickly and smoothly. The costumes are beautiful and well thought out and Stiles and Drewe’s songs are fun, catchy and will leave you humming them as you leave. The show has plenty of fun, including some more unusual elements such as a mini ballet and an appearance from Louby, the gorgeous little West Highland Terrier.

Watch out for this brilliant musical in the future, we think it definitely deserves a future in the West End.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Romy Morgan

Identical plays at Nottingham Playhouse until 14 August, with tickets available here.

https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/identical/