Songs for a New World – Upstairs at the Gatehouse

Songs for a New World continues at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, London, until 3 March 2024.

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Songs for a New World is the perfect song cycle. A joyful journey through life’s trials and tribulations, each defined by love and hope.

The musical weaves together characters on the brink of something new, connected through love, loss and the human condition. From a 1492 ship deck to a contemporary rooftop, the versatility and relatability of the piece make it timeless. The piece debuted Off-Broadway in 1995 and remains as relevant today as it was then.

It is no surprise that the music by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown is outstanding. During a powerful production, musically directed by Liam Holmes in an intimate staging at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, each leap and crescendo reverberates through the audience. The songs are the definition of ‘if you can’t say how you are feeling, you sing it’, filled with rich emotional characterisation and larger-than-life characters. Kai Wright encourages the characters to look beyond the audience, towards their ambitions, giving the sense of a bigger picture.

The cast of four are stars of the future. They are all masterful storytellers, taking you on a complete journey with just their voices and physicality.

In ‘The New World’ and ‘Hear My Song’ the full ensemble wows the audience with overwhelming intensity, magnificent synchronised, harmonious voices and an animated spirit.

Lizzy Parker’s (Woman 1) angelic voice is a powerhouse of emotion, fragile and delicate yet forthright and magical. ‘I’m Not Afraid of Anything’ deeply connects with the audience, building up to an exhilarating crescendo as she unveils the truth. Her tender ‘Christmas Lullaby’ captures our hearts with her gentle, sweet voice and sentiment.

Eleanore Frances’ (Woman 2) soaring vocals, paired with her masterful quirky, comedic ability, result in the audience laughing and crying at the same time. She tries to get her husband’s attention in ‘Just One Step’, leaving everyone in absolute stitches about her rooftop antics, and the same can be said of her caustic Mrs Claus, fed up with Saint Nick in ‘Surabaya-Santa’. Her wistful highlight, ‘Stars and the Moon’, showcases her vocals as she toys with the opposing values of wealth and dreams.

Luke Walsh’s (Man 1) thrilling Act I finale, ‘The Steam Train’, begins with the confident ‘player’, energetically darting around the stage. Yet as the story unfolds, his tragic journey shows us to not judge a book by its cover.

Walsh’s duet with Christopher Cameron (Man 2) in the smooth and jazzy ‘The River Won’t Flow’ made us want to jump out of our seats and dance along with them. Cameron’s ‘She Cries’ demonstrates his emotional turmoil and aggravation at being manipulated by a woman he loves.

The show would not be complete without the fantastic musicians who deliver a flawless performance, their precise timing and skilful musicality paired perfectly with the stellar vocals.

Marina Holmes