ED2012 3/5 Reviews ED2012 Theatre Reviews

Spring Awakening (Upstaged Theatre Company)

By | Published on Friday 31 August 2012

Set in 1989, this adaptation of ‘Spring Awakening’ is an all-dancing sexual metaphor. Upstaged’s production caters well for the musical fan, and its merit lies with a youthful cast who perfectly represent the text’s coming-of-age themes. There is plenty of fun to be had in Will Sheriff Hammond’s production; the acting is tight and the set mostly comprises of small stalls, which are swung about in a delightfully participatory manner mid-song in order to both create new scenes and decorate current ones. Radio interludes tell us of liberation in Berlin circa 1989, an interesting modernisation to the script, although perhaps not as transcendent as a more contemporary theme could be. At times the acoustics were muted and the dance isn’t exceptional, but nevertheless it’s an innovative effort.

Paradise in Augustine’s, 14-19 Aug, times vary.
tw rating 3/5 | [Adam Bloodworth]



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