Originally premiering on Broadway in 2015, it’s a surprise that Something Rotten! has taken so long to made its way to the UK. A production was supposed to open at the Birmingham Rep in 2020, but alas, we had to wait a few more years for a glimpse of the Tony-winning Shakespeare comedy musical. Could a concert with a star-studded cast do the trick to get audiences interested? Given Fourth Wall Live’s track record with their musical concerts, it was enough for me to yell ‘huzzah!’
I was gifted a ticket in exchange for an honest review – all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Something Rotten! in Concert
Cast
- Nick Bottom: Jason Manford
- Nigel Bottom: Cassius Hackworth
- William Shakespeare: Richard Fleeshman
- Bea: Marisha Wallace
- Portia: Evelyn Hoskins
- Nostradamus: Gary Wilmot
- Brother Jeremiah: Cameron Blakely
- Shylock: Steve Furst
- Minstrel: Ashley Samuels
Rating: ★★★★★
What is Something Rotten! About?
In the 90’s (the 1590’s that is), Something Rotten! follows playwriting duo the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, who are trying to make it big in the theatre scene despite William ‘The Bard’ Shakespeare dominating it. After meeting soothsayer Thomas Nostradamus, who predicts theatre will feature singing and dancing in the future, the Bottom brothers go on a quest to write the world’s first musical. There’s also something about omelettes, but that’s not important (or is it…?)
What are my thoughts on Something Rotten! in Concert?
To put it simply, Something Rotten is a musical for people who love musicals. Witty, over-the-top and clever, John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick’s book fully embraces the silliness of its wacky story. Filled with Shakespeare and musical theatre hallmarks including star-crossed romance, mistaken identities, double entendres and puns galore (don’t make a drinking game – you’ll be unconscious midway through A Musical) with a more American edge, it’s never afraid to poke fun of both theatrical mediums while leaving room for sincerity and heart. That, and there’s something to be said about its commentary on today’s state of theatre battling between commercial appeal vs. honest art.
What really makes Something Rotten work for a concert setting is Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick’s music, which is the true star of the show. Catchy and toe-tapping, the influences from Rogers and Hammerstein to Andrew Lloyd Webber are clear in songs including the breakfast-filled Make An Omelette and rock-infused Will Power, but it’s all best exemplified in one showstopper: A Musical, the most meta musical theatre song imaginable lasting for seven glorious minutes.
Tim Jackson’s direction and choreography for this concert keeps the story and jokes sharp and fast-paced, but it make it that bit better i.e. having the actors speak in the same accent and bringing back the tap sequence for the act one finale. Semi-staged with Tudor inspired tapestries along with two tables and portraits of Shakespeare and various other poets either side of the stage, they and beautiful costumes (including a sequin egg) add a sense of immersion to this sillier version of Shakespeare. The ever-amazing 28-piece London Musical Theatre Orchestra is stunningly directed by Fred Tapner, adding such depth and richness to the score as it radiates across the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
What’s the cast like?
Comedian Jason Manford’s funny yet down to earth everyman persona makes him a great fit as Nick Bottom. Nailing the comic timing and carrying some strong vocals, it’s his quieter moments that allow the show’s heart to shine as Nick follows his misguided efforts to support his family. Making his debut is Cassius Hackworth as Nigel, bringing sincere sweetness and awkwardness as he finds love and discovers his true passion for poetry. Richard Fleeshman is clearly having the time of his life showboating with such bravado in a giant codpiece as the rockstar-esque Shakespeare.
Already appearing in the original Broadway cast of Something Rotten, I had an inkling Marisha Wallace was going to play Bea as soon as this concert was announced, and she absolutely delivered. Showing off her always amazing powerhouse vocals in her solo Right Hand Man, she also nails the comedy in her funny running gag dressing up as various men to find work, which pays off at the most convenient time.
Gary Wilmot is a scene-stealer as (Thomas) Nostradamus, making A Musical finally worth seeing live while being capable of making the audience cackle and applaud just yelling the word ‘Cats’. Evelyn Hoskins is a joy as Portia who shares an orgasmic love for poetry and Cameron Blakeley is a hoot as her Puritan father Brother Jeremiah, barely concealing his hard on for theatre with a wink to the audience.
What are my overall thoughts?
Huzzah huzzah, Something Rotten in concert is a success! A side-splitting ode to Shakespeare and musicals as ripe as a tomato for a fully staged production, it’s amazing how it’s taken so long. With the audience in good cheer and that other Shakespeare musical comedy now out of London, I have one question: At which hour shall thee finally cometh to the West Endeth?
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