Are You As Nervous As I Am? – Greenwich Theatre

Katie Elin-Salt in Are You As Nervous As I Am at the Greenwich Theatre, London. Picture: Pamela Raith Photography

Are You As Nervous As I Am? continues at the Greenwich Theatre, London until 23 October 2022.

Star rating: three stars ★ ★ ★ ✩ ✩

This new British musical, written by Simon Spencer, with music by Leighton James House and lyrics by Shaun McKenna, follows the journey of two sisters, Peggy and Janet, and the tale of how they lost and re-found one another. Young Peggy (Megan Donovan) is one of the first characters we see on stage. She sings beautifully with an element of sadness as she watches her mum’s life unfold, resorting to alcohol and casual relationships. The first scene is set in a Welsh pub where Peggy and Janet’s mum Catrin regularly hangs out.

We begin to understand Peggy’s talent and her need to break out of her current life. Katie Elin-Salt’s Welsh charisma as Peggy and bouncy, animated vocals show us why she is no longer a plain Jane and is destined for great things.

Peggy and Janet (Emma Thornett) find each other as Peggy’s singing career comes to fruition. The story feels slightly disjointed as the scenes are short and jump to further down the timeline quickly without leaving a moment to take on what has just happened. Despite this, we see how although Janet and Peggy are different in nature, they need one another. Elin-Salt and Thornett showcase their sisterly bond beautifully.

Throughout the show, directed by Phoebe Barran, we see the relationships Peggy forms as her life pans out. There is an underlying repeated issue of abuse. This is heightened as a constant reminder when we see Catrin appear on the side of the stage when situations get difficult, or Peggy defaults to her mum’s lifestyle and character.

The set and costumes capture the 1960s and 70s era and the sepia lighting make you feel like you have gone back in time. The music written by Leighton James House is catchy and on trend with the era, although the lyrics lack some depth.

There are lots of intense moments within the storyline and sometimes the emotion from these is lost as the story moves so quickly. Elin-Salt, present for almost all of the show, leaves a lasting impression and her natural ability to hold the stage is outstanding.

Molly Kerrigan