Twang!! – Union Theatre

Twang!! continues at the Union Theatre, London until 5 May 2018.

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The original production of Lionel Bart’s Twang!! opened in the West End in December 1965 and despite a stellar cast including James Booth, Barbara Windsor, Ronnie Corbett and Bernard Bresslaw, it ran for only 43 performances having received scathing reviews and losing Bart his personal fortune. In 2008 Bart’s estate commissioned Julian Woolford to write a new book for the musical, which was then presented by the Guildford School of Acting

This updated version is now playing at the Union Theatre and if you are looking for a fun night out then this is it. Producer Sasha Regan entrusted the task of bringing this production to life to director Bryan Hodgson. The latter has done a terrific job and, along with his casting director Adam Braham, has assembled a hugely talent company of actors.

The production is high camp, full of innuendo, with hysterical pastiche references to many well-known musicals. Fast paced and thoroughly entertaining, it is a must-see show.

To tell the plot would spoil it for those of you who go to see the show but to give a brief idea: Much the Miller’s son has run away from home for stealing a loaf of bread. Saved from the clutches of the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham he finds himself a member of Robin Hood’s all-singing, all-dancing group of Merry Men. Two problems though – Much hates musicals and worse still Robin has lost his Twang!!

Joe Rose is delightful as Much, an innocent who loses his heart to the voluptuous man-hungry Delphina, played by Jessica Brady.

Peter Noden is the handsome hero Robin with Kweeva Garvey as Marian. Christian Lunn is a striking Little John, James Hudson the guitar-strumming Alan-A-Dale, Louie Westwood is the camp’s cook Friar Tuck and Kane Verrall plays the most outrageous and very watchable Will Scarlett.

The three dastardly baddies are brilliantly portrayed by Christopher Hewitt, making his professional debut as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Ed Court as the leather-clad Sir Guy and Lewis McBean as the pampered and cruel Prince John.

This strong cast also includes Victoria Nichol, Francesca Pim, Chris Draper and the very agile Micah Holmes.

Special mention must be given to Stephen Patrick as Hob of the Hill who demonstrates beautiful physicality and comedic ability.

Refreshingly, no one in the cast has a radio mic, and all of them have strong voices – with Brady in particular displaying an impressive pair of lungs.  The only criticism is that, as a result, the vocals are slightly inaudible on occasions.

Musical director is Henry Brennan, with Nick Anderson on drums, and there is excellent choreography by Mitchell Harper.

This production really deserves to have a life after its run at the Union – it would be lovely to see it transfer to one of the smaller West End theatres and for it to enjoy the success it richly deserves.

Helena Howard