GIRLZ continues at Doonstairs at Gilded Balloon Patter House until 30 August 2026.
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
It’s a welcome back to the GIRLZ in this new treatment of their highly-rated show from last year – more polished, more songs and killer choreography.
The plot revolves around the group of five girls selected by Dan Cashman, a rather sleazy yet ambitious and ruthless manager. We never really learn much more about Cashman, yet Lee Docherty’s performance hints at so much more just below the surface.
The girls themselves are well defined: Meggie Hughes plays Nicky, a role that doubles up as narrator and shows us a little window on her life away from the group. An engaging performer with natural rapport with the audience. Nicky was living with her boyfriend, Adam (Tomas Baines), before being sequestered away to perfect the performance skills of the group. There is a lovely, relaxed relationship between the two, even though their musical aspirations are miles apart. Nicky shoots for the stars, Adam is a singer-songwriter of great sensitivity and talent. His solo number is a refreshing contrast.
Tamara Tare’s performance as Alex makes the most of her strong vocals and stunning dance moves. A little more background would help with the audience’s relationship with Alex: a little more vulnerability in the character and understanding of where she has come from would have helped here.
Zoe Antoniou as Jaz and Daniella Mirels as Kim turn in wonderful performances as part of the group. Both project personality very well and have a lovely trio with Abigail Wiltshire (Charlie). The latter seems to get along well with Adam and they have a shared musical style interest. It would be lovely to get a sense of what their music might be like.
The harmonies throughout are sublime; the choreography (Simone Mistry-Palmer) is totally top drawer and the direction (Katy Weir) zips the show along at cracking pace.
This show is easy to fall in love with and would readily develop into a full-length production with a stronger book to reveal the complexity of the characters.
Welcome back, Girlz – it’s so good to see you!
Fiona Orr
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