West End Wednesday: LOSERVILLE
Loserville is a 2009 musical with a book, music and lyrics by James Bourne and Elliot Davis, based on the album ‘Welcome to Loserville’ by Bourne’s band, Son of Dork. The musical tells the story of Michael and Lucas who make it their mission to get computers to communicate and is inspired by the historical moment that the first email was sent.
The musical was produced at the South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell for the Youth Music Theatre UK in 2009, of which Bourne himself is a patron. The production gained investment and went on to be produced for a full-scale production at the West Yorkshire Playhouse (now Leeds Playhouse) during the summer of 2012. The production was directed by Steven Dexter, with choreography by Nick Winston, set design by Francis O’Connor, costumes by O’Connor and Stephen Snell, sound by Simon Baker and lighting by Howard Harrison. The original cast included Aaron Sidwell as Michael, Richard Lowe as Lucas, Eliza Hope Bennett as Holly, Gareth Gates as Eddie Arch, Charlotte Harwood as Leia, Lil’ Chris as Francis and Daniel Buckley as Marvin.
The musical proved successful enough in Leeds to garner a transfer to the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End a few months later. The West End production opened for previews on 1 October 2012, with the majority of the cast returning and with Stewart Clarke assuming the role of Eddie. The production had initially booked through March 2012, however, after less favourable reviews and a low box office return, the decision was made to close the show early on 5 January 2013.
The musical was revived in a production directed by Michael Burgen at The Union Theatre in 2015. The production had choreography by Matt Krzan and musical direction by Bryan Hodgson. The cast included Luke Newton as Michael, Jordan Fox as Lucas, Holly-Anne Hull as Holly, Lewis Bradley as Eddie, Sarah Covey as Leia, Matthew Harvey as Francis and Sandy Grigelis as Marvin. The production opened to mixed reviews.
The musical received its professional US premiere between 31 January and 9 February 2020 by the Fredericktowne Players in a production directed by Matt J. Bannister. The production included Jake Schwartz as Michael, Alyx Greer as Lucas, Delaney White as Holly. Jamie Downing as Eddie, Summer Grove as Leia, Justin Patterson as Francis and Noah Haren as Marvin. The show opened to rave reviews, with particular praise given to the direction, performances and vocals.
Besties, if you don’t know Loserville, it’s a little gem of a show with some catchy tunes to boot but unfortunately, they never released a cast recording, so you’ll have to scour YouTube for a taste!
FACTS:
Music: James Bourne and Elliot Davis
Lyrics: James Bourne and Elliot Davis
Book: James Bourne and Elliot Davis
Theatre: The Garrick Theatre
Run: 1 October 2012 – 5 January 2013.
