THE UNEXPECTED MIX OF RAW EMOTION AND HILARITY YOU NEVER KNEW YOU NEEDED

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

In the captivating world of Rehab The Musical, Christian Maynard takes centre stage as Kid Pop, a jaded 26-year-old pop star facing the consequences of a drug-fuelled tabloid scandal in 1999. The plot unfolds as Kid Pop is given a choice between jail time and a six-week stint in rehabilitation. What seems like a no-brainer holiday quickly turns into a profound journey of self-discovery.

The musical surprises the audience with hilariously unexpected song choices, notably the courtroom scene ending with the catchy “Wanker” reprised at the conclusion. The play balances humour deftly, providing more laughs than one might anticipate from a story centred around rehab. Yet, amidst the laughter, the narrative skilfully tugs at heartstrings, creating a rollercoaster of emotions. Those familiar with addiction and rehab experiences will find themselves immersed in a deeply emotional journey, punctuated by unexpected moments of humour, such as the memorable line, “I’ve got photos of your cock in a melon.”

The storyline introduces Kid’s manager, Malcolm, who plants a spy, Lucy, in the rehabilitation centre to keep Kid in the media spotlight. This decision leads to a series of events, including the tragic fallout on another resident, Phil. The narrative sheds light on the profound influence the media wields over people’s lives, leaving the audience to ponder the consequences. However, Lucy’s lack of visible guilt over the incident leaves a desire for a more profound exploration of her internal turmoil.

REHAB THE MUSICAL SHINES BRIGHT: A SPECTACULAR CAST STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT WITH UNMATCHED PERFORMANCES

Rehab The Musical delves into the diverse facets of addiction, touching on serious issues while injecting humour. Characters like tanning addict Barry Bronze and overeater Phil Newman, played by John Barr and Oscar Conlon-Morrey, respectively, add depth to the narrative. Their performances, along with a poignant rendition of “Ordinary Girl” by Oscar Conlon-Morrey, showcase the versatility of the cast. The cast seamlessly weave their talents into a tapestry of brilliance, showcasing impeccable chemistry that elevated the entire performance to extraordinary heights.

Mica Paris MBE, in the role of Martha Prosser, exhibits a stunning voice in the duet “Museum Of Loss” with Maiya Quansah-Breed as Lucy. Maiya’s ability to match Mica’s soulful vocals contributes to a powerful performance. The background acting and singing by the entire cast demonstrate their dedication and skill, elevating the overall production. Christian Maynard’s portrayal of Kid Pop is commendable, capturing the essence of a drug and alcohol addict. However, at times, the slurring of his voice hinders complete comprehension. A touch more enunciation could have enhanced the clarity of his performance.

The second half of the musical introduces a great twist, adding an extra layer of intrigue and engagement. Don’t expect any spoilers, but let me tell it’s worth the watch. The performance, as a whole, resonates deeply with the audience, leaving a lasting impact. I took my friend Nicola and she had tears in her eyes at the end of the first act. Rehab The Musical proves to be an incredible show that masterfully combines unexpected humour with genuine, heartfelt emotion.

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Photo Credit: Mark Senior