Birdy - Lyric and Wildheart Theatre Company - Rich Mix London 20 September 2013

Just saw a preview of this show which is in the latter stage of rehearsal and really really enjoyed it. Would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who likes burlesque, vaudaville, circus theatrics, the surreal, music and laughter. Ostensibly it's about a couple of youngsters who fall in love and the tribulations of the early years, post romance...her (Birdy) in particular. But the real star is the mayhem that surrounds them, courtesy of two mischievous anti-cherubs who morph into all sorts of problematic characters and maniacs; a cross-dressing organist; and a very physical, whirling, at times slightly out-of-control, stage set. Just like life, nothings perfect, it's clunky, frustrating, there's weird eroticism; awkward and hilarious sex; it often moves at breakneck speed but then hits a wall; and it's certainly the first time I've ever found a baby in my beard! Although this is a theatre company, and there is music from the organist and the two anti-cherubs who sing harmonies and play strings, melodica, mandolin, drums, kazoos (lots of kazoos ;-)) throughout - this is not so much a play or musical as a SHOW. So I can recommend this to hardcore-theatre-goers and/or anyone who just wants a bloody good night out. Oh I forgot to mention, despite the darkness at the root of the story, once the story is set up it is very very funny - laugh out loud funny - and alive with great set-pieces, none of which I am going to spoil for you.