THE MAD ONES - The Other Palace Studio (27/05/25)

It is often said that when you're young and figuring yourself out, mistakes are there to be made, especially as you approach the transition into early adulthood and the expectation on your shoulders is greater than ever. This notion, and personal journey of discovery, are at the very heart of Kait Kerrigan and Bree Lowdermilk's intimate musical "The Mad Ones", which follows Samantha Brown, an 18 year old perched on a personal precipice, dealing with the choice between following her mother's example, or traversing a new and unfamiliar path influenced by ballsy best friend Kelly, all while stringing along unwitting boyfriend Adam.

Driving features quite heavily in this story, as Samantha begins the show sat stationary in the drivers seat of recently deceased Kelly's car, contemplating her life and the direction which it will ultimately take her. The story is told largely through flashbacks and jumbled memories, and a yearning for simpler times, which thankfully is established early on in proceedings, and though the absence of narrative linearity is not always the easiest to follow, I get the feeling that this is the idea, as we are largely experiencing events through Sam's perspective. This slightly chaotic writing and directorial style, between Kerrigan, Lowdermilk and director Emily Susanne Lloyd, certainly works best in the second act, which is where we find the bulk of the more meaningful, emotionally weighted material.

Dora Gee and Courtney Stapleton (credit: Perro Loco Productions)

Taking on the role of Samantha, Dora Gee delivers so much heart and earnestness, as well as, arguably, the most complete emotional performance of the evening. We feel her internal struggle and conflict, and her chemistry with Courtney Stapleton as Kelly is marvellously endearing, as the clash of different worlds, the distinct dichotomy between Sam's uncertain, hesitant nature, and the unbridled confidence Kelly brings to the table, works superbly well. Pulling her in the other direction is mother Beverly, a helicopter parent who refuses to admit her daughter has contrasting aspirations to those she has set aside for her; Thea-Jo Wolfe brings Sam's mum to life perfectly, in a slightly caricaturish, but enormously entertaining and, where needed, beautifully sincere portrayal of real depth.

Completing the quartet is Gabriel Hinchcliffe as Sam's boyfriend Adam, who brings plenty of warmth and golden retriever energy to this loyal, selfless, and at times completely clueless love interest. In spite of the character being fairly secondary to proceedings, he brings a sense of balance, contrasting with the emotionally tumultuous nature of the overriding plot and its thematic material. In many ways, Adam is the beating heart of this show, as he grounds Sam in a way she doesn't necessarily receive from the other influences in her life.

The company of The Mad Ones (credit: Perro Loco Productions)

And there are plenty of powerhouse vocals from everyone in that cast, from Gee and Stapleton's uplifting title track at the end of act one, to the full company closing the show out with "Remember This", arguably the most rousing, spine-chilling musical moment of the evening. Lowdermilk's score, paired with Kerrigan's lyrics, is a stunning mix of pop, dance music and traditional musical theatre, with some gorgeous motivic lines that reprise effectively, and it's beautifully orchestrated; there is every chance you will leave the theatre with at least one of these songs in your head.

Though the overall visual design by (appropriately named) Reuben Speed is enormously striking, the smashed glass shards adorning the back of the stage a particular highlight, the scenic centrepiece, and easily the most multifunctional piece of design, is the front end of an open topped car that acts as a constant throughout. Sam begins the show sat behind its wheel, its use in various scenes and scenarios is wonderfully clever, and the little motor quite rightly receives its own round of applause as this delightful, heartfelt piece of theatre is brought to a close; here's hoping we haven't heard the end of it.

★★★★☆

"The Mad Ones" plays at The Other Palace until the 1st of June, so don't miss out!