Think Damien Rice meets The Hoosiers, then throw in some early 70's Bowie and the witty, street-y charm of The Streets. But as a MUSICAL? Surely not. Yet, under the arches of Waterloo, five singers and two acoustic guitars are making it work. And some.
It's a treat to watch. Departure Lounge is a show that doesn't take itself too seriously, dropping ridiculous one-liners all over the shop (Steven Webb as Ross repeatedly pulls pure genius out the bag); it's fun, it's a bit rude and we all laughed. I actually laughed a lot.
The story energetically throws the spotlight upon the unfortunate British stereotype - Brits abroad. The cretins of fry-up Spain. Yuck. We follow four lads who await their delayed flight home, recounting their trip of promiscuous discovery. Writer Dougal Irvine shines his rose-tinted aviators on these would-be yobs, turning them into likeable and recognisable beings.
All voices are strong, and each character (and indeed, performer) stands out in their designated 'moment' of self-discovery. These 'moments' within the writing perhaps teetered on the brink of self-indulgence, yet they were played neither objectionably nor were they over-indulged. In particular, the sound levels were spot-on, with the acoustic accompaniment layering nicely underneath dulcet, estuarine vocal patterings. Direction by Pip Minnithorpe was slick & accomodated the small stage well.
The almost brand new space at Waterloo East is quite a little find, and I'm sure it will see many fitting and fresh projects tread across its boards. Departure Lounge may move to a larger home in the future, but all involved should be happy with the chat that this show has generated here. Producers Perfect Pitch bubble just underneath the surface of West End Musical Theatre. And, please god, may they continue because they keep this industry EXCITING.
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