Thoughts on TGWDLM: West end
I just want to preface this by saying I’ve been watching starkid for 12 years now, and seeing the people that I’ve grown up with in real life (!?!?) was phenomenal but, I think TGWDLM west end revival has so many flaws.
When TGWDLM first came out I was obsessed! It was the first musical I could actually show to a non-fan without having to provide the whole lore of who they are and why I’m watching a parody of Star Wars where all the actors are in onesies. It was smart, punchy, funny and the music was amazing.
Since then, I’ve really not been enjoying the hatchetfield series (although NPMD did have it’s plus moments) but, I was holding out hope for this revival, and didn’t look into the new pro shot to be surprised. However, the move to a larger stage & different stage design but keeping the same direction and cast numbers has really hindered the shows pacing, comedy and plot.
Do I think they needed to be in a smaller venue? Absolutely not, they deserve the large crowd! But do I think they needed a larger cast and a change to the direction and staging? Yes. With this being the first starkid production brought to the UK I understand trying to be a purist to the original show but being on a bigger stage means longer scene and costume changes and it was so obvious!! Add 2 more cast members, change some of the direction and props and this would’ve been as good as the original.
I hope this isn’t the last time starkid are in the UK, as I know there are so many more shows that are worth bringing to a larger audience (this is a polite plea to do Twisted please and thank you x) but I beg that starkid learn that we don’t need to have the show here beat for beat, and it can evolve and grow figuratively and literally!