British Musicals: 'Bananaman: The Musical' (2017)

British Musicals: 'Bananaman: The Musical' (2017)

 

Book, Music and Lyrics by Leon Parris. 

History:

The launch of a new DC Thompson comic 'Nutty' in 1980 required the creation of a new superhero. The year before, 'Superman - The Movie' had captivated British children, so editor David Donaldson needing a hero with similar a-peel (geddit?) worked with writer Steve Bright to develop a very British superhero who cleverly poked fun at the 'why so serious' portrayals of superheroes Stateside. Bananaman and his alter ego Eric Wimp became the 'Nutty' cover-star, and between 1983 and 1986, the BBC aired a cartoon series based on Bananaman and featuring the voices of the members of The Goodies. Parts of the character were changed for the series: he was now called Eric Twinge, had an distinctive banana shaped hairstyle rather than punk stubble, and had a love interest (only when transformed) in the form of Fiona, an newsreader based on Selina Scott and also a possible homage to Lois Lane. Bananaman continues his adventures, reimagined by comic super-artist, Wayne Thompson. He also continues to appear in both the 'Dandy' and 'Beano' annuals.

In 2017, Bananaman again rose from the page in a musical by Leon Parris, whose previous shows include Enid Blyton’s The Famous Five, Wolfboy, Stig of the Dump and Monte Cristo, among others. Parris, winner of a Vivian Ellis Award for Best Musical and a Really Useful Group Award for Most Promising Writer, had watched the cartoon series every day after school and read the comic strip instead of doing homework, and when looking for a new subject for a family musical, returned to childhood for inspiration. The premiere of this musical was at Southwark Playhouse on 15th December 2017. 

Plot:

Eric Wimp's life is stuck in a rut living in Acacia Road - being bullied at school, eating his mother's unusual cooking, helping out in the family fruit shop, and failing to ask out his classmate, Fiona. But will the crashing of a comet into Acacia Rise lead all this to change ? And will Doctor Gloom and General Blight manage to enact their (separate) evil plans ?   Acacia Road needs a hero (preferably full of Potassium).

In a Nutshell:

Is it bananas to rely on a man dressed in blue and yellow to save your town ? 

Production:

I saw the show near the end of its run and was pleased to see two names that I recognised from a previous Southwark Playhouse production - 'The Toxic Avenger' - Marc Pickering & Lizzi Hills. Entering the auditorium, I was in nostalgia heaven with 'Bananaman' comic strips on the back wall, and a playlist of 1980's Childrens TV theme tunes playing - including 'Dogtanian', 'Poddington Peas', 'Rhubbarb' and 'Pigeon Street'. The set was minimal as with many SP productions, but was appropriately used, with a pair of moving steps being used to gain access to a mezzanine level for some scenes.

The songs were excellent - with a few moments that were clear variations on Dave Cooke's legendary theme tune. In keeping with the series, Eric and Bananaman were played by different actors - Mark Newnham and Matthew McKenna, with both getting their respective characterisations perfect - nerdy vs. idiot. Lizzii Hills was again the superhero's mother, and there was solid support from TJ Lloyd as Chief O'Reilly, Emma Ralston as Fiona (now a teenage newsblogger) and particularly Jodie Jacobs (who I saw in 'Rock of Ages' several years ago) as Crow, who appeared in-vision with the Crow puppet a la 'Avenue Q'. 

However, the show belonged to the bad guy, namely Marc Pickering's Doctor Gloom, with his nasally voice and over-the-top evil plans. General Blight (Carl Mullaney) was relegated to a comedy sidekick, but did get his own chance to shine in Act 2. 

Full of puns, and including one sequence that had the entire auditorium laughing, a good night seemed to be had by all, the audience seemingly full of 'children of the 1980's' and their children. An evening of nostalgia that I am glad I did not miss.

'Bananaman - The Musical' ran at the Southwark Playhouse in London from 15th December 2017 to 20th January 2018.

Signature Song:

Definitely 'A Call to Arms'  (see below), in which Dr. Gloom motivates his troops (including 'The Weatherman' and 'Eddie The Gent'.


Did I Buy The Cast Recording ?

Although the YouTube videos below indicate a case recording session, I have not seen it for sale. I would definitely buy it. However, I have downloaded the two available tracks from YouTube.

Links:

Show Website

YouTube - 'A Call To Action'     (also 'Every Great Cliche')

British Musicals - Introduction

As a companion-piece to my 'Forgotten Musicals' posts, I have decided to extend my gaze to cover New British Musicals also.

In line with 'Forgotten Musicals', each entry will be completed under the following headings:

History:

The history of the musical and previous runs.

Plot:

A summary of the plot.

In A Nutshell:

The plot in a sentence.

Production:

Details of the production that I saw, as well as comments/reviews of it.

Signature Song:

The one song that I enjoyed most/think sums up the musical best.



Did I Buy The Cast Recording ?:
Did I enjoy it enough to buy the recording ?

Links: 

Links to online material, including recordings, videos and production websites.

2017 Awards - Part 3: Sherlock Holmes

Shows/Events

5: The Rivals of Professor Moriarty - National Liberal Club, London   (October)
4: Sherlock Holmes and the Crimson Cobbles - Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford   (September)
3: Beyond Baker Street - Crowborough Community Centre     (May) 
2: The Baker Street Irregulars - Lund Theatre, Hampstead    (February)
1: Sherlocked 2017 - Hilton Birmingham   (October)

'Sherlock' Episodes

3: The Final Problem
2: The Six Thatchers
1: The Lying Detective

'Elementary' Episodes  (Series 5)

5: Moving Targets   (5.22)
4: Henny Penny the Sky Is Falling  (5.4) 
3: Over A Barrel  (5.13)
2: Ill Tidings   (5.6)
1: Fidelity  (5.16)

2017 Sherlockian Sojourns

5: Manchester    (October)
4: Windsor & Eton   (August)
3: Winchester  (September)
2: Whitstable   (June)
1: Crowborough    (May)

2017 Awards - Part 2: Doctor Who

TV Episodes

5: Thin Ice
4: The Doctor Falls
3: Twice Upon a Time
2: Knock Knock
1: The Pilot

Big Finish Audios

5: The New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield Vol 4: The Ruler of the Universe
4: The Diary of River Song - Volume 2
3: The Contingency Club
2: UNIT Assembled
1: The War Doctor: Casualties of War

Events

5: Russell T. Davies/James Goss book launch - Foyles Bookshop, London    (September)
4: Collectormania 24, NEC, Birmingham    (June)
3: EM-CON 2017 - Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham    (April)
2: Whooverville 9 - Quad, Derby   (September)
1: Who's At The Playhouse - Epsom Playhouse   (October)    [The gang's mostly here]

2017 Awards - Part 1: Theatre/Music/Magic

My annual awards, starting with theatre, music and magic. To my surprise, I actually attended two gigs this year, double my usual number.


Musicals


10: Honk - Union Theatre, Southwark  (March)
  9: Thoroughly Modern Millie - New Wimbledon Theatre   (January)
  8: Dreamgirls - Savoy Theatre, London    (August)
  7: Annie - Piccadilly Theatre, London   (June)
  6: Bat Out of Hell - London Colliseum   (August)
  5: Aladdin - Prince Edward Theatre, London  (June)
  4: The Addams Family - New Wimbledon Theatre   (May)
  3: Half a Sixpence - Noel Coward Theatre, London    (August)
  2: The Wind in the Willows - London Palladium   (July)
  1:Young Frankenstein - Garrick Theatre, London  (November)

Close runner up:  'Miss Nightingale' (The Vaults, Waterloo),


Plays


5: Not Dead Enough - Richmond Theatre  (March)
4: Out of Order - Richmond Theatre  (April)
3: Labour of Love - Noel Coward Theatre, London   (October)
2: Hysteria - Greenwich Theatre   (April)
1: Labour of Love - Noel Coward Theatre, London   (October)

Booby prizes to 'The Philantropist' (Trafalgar Studios) and 'Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead'  (Old Vic).


Magic

3: The Mysterious Gentleman - Courtyard Theatre, N1    (November)
2: Morgan & West: Parlour Tricks - Greenwich Theatre   (April)

1: Penn & Teller - Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith    (June)     ['The Governors']

Comedy

3: Joe Lycett - Greenwich Old Naval College    (September)
2: Milton Jones Nearly Out There - Epsom Playhouse   (August)
1: Tim Vine Edinburgh Preview - Adrian Mann Theatre, Ewell   (July)



'Gigs' 

2: The Radiophonic Workshop - IMAX, The Science Museum   (June)
1: Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott - All Saints Church, Kingston   (July)

Sherlockian Sojourns #9: Manchester Town Hall

This was a bit of a last-minute jaunt without the usual planning have gone on. I had been asked to attend a meeting in Manchester, with my travel paid, and so I had a quick look online for central Manchester locations from the Granada series featuring Jeremy Brett, the series having been made at the old Granada Studios in the city. (Having just completed my final University exams in 1999, I went for a day-trip from Sheffield to the Studios, walking down their Baker Street set which was still standing). I had identified Manchester Town Hall as featuring in several stories, and intended to make a brief detour to photograph it on my way back to Manchester Piccadilly Station.

My journey up went without a hitch (but did mean that I had to get up at 6am), and walking to the Crown Court with my manager, we passed the Town Hall, but there was not time to linger, as we were due at the conference facilities.

However, to my surprise the meeting finished an hour early, and having over two hours until my train home, I decided to set off first for another location, Chetham’s School of Music, which featured in “The Red-Headed League” and “The Final Problem”.

After a few wrong turns, I found it. Unfortunately due to building work going on, the imposing gates were locked shut, and I was only able to get a few shots through the arch at the top of them.

Retracing my steps, I made my way back to the law courts and up to Albert Square where the large Town Hall courtyard, recognisable from several episodes, was located. The Town Hall features in “The Golden Pince-Nez”, “The Cardboard Box”, “The Mazarin Stone”, “The Dying Detective” and “The Eligible Bachelor”

 

 

 

 

Having taken photos of the front and side, as both feature in episodes, I made my way inside, being aware that the inside was used for the inside of the Houses of Parliament in the Guy Richie film, “Sherlock Holmes”.

 

 

 

Making my way back to the Station, I was in plenty of time for my train. However, as it pulled into Rugby (not a scheduled stop) the train came to a halt. After around ten minutes, train crew came over the tannoy to state that due to fatality at Harrow, the train would be waiting there for some time. It eventually moved, before coming to another unscheduled stop at Milton Keynes Central. The train then stopped additionally at Watford Junction (where I had travelled to a few days before on my way to a Sherlockian book signing), before finally limping into London Euston 85 minutes late. It had been a very long day !!!!

Sherlockian Sojourns - Special #2: 'It would be a great pleasure if you could come on to the Continent with me'.

May 2016 represented the 125th anniversary of the infamous struggle between the most dangerous criminal and the foremost champion of the law of their generation at Switzerland's Reichenbach Falls, as outlined in 'The Final Problem'. To celebrate the anniversary and my 40th birthday from earlier in the year, I decided to be there exactly 125 years to the day. [I had made a previous pilgrimage to the Falls eight years before, but had not made it to the legendary ledge].

Tuesday 3rd May 2016

 "For a charming week we wandered up the Valley of the Rhone. We made our way over the Gemmi Pass, by way of Interlaken. It was on the 3rd of May [1891] that we reached the little village of Meiringen, where we put up at the Englischer Hof, then kept by Peter Steiler the elder. Our landlord was an intelligent man, and spoke excellent English, having served for three years as waiter at the Grosvenor Hotel in London". [FINA]

Having negotiated passport control, I made my way to the attached train station, catching a train to Interlaken. On arrival it had started raining, so sheltering under my umbrella, I made my way into the town centre, taking multiple photos of the tourist sites.

Returning to the station, I was able to catch a train directly to Meiringen. Alighting I pulled my suitcase across the square that led to the 'Sherlock Holmes Museum', passing a statue of a familiar deerstalkered figure, until I reached Parkhotel Du Sauvage, with a plaque declaring it to be the 'Englischer Hof'.

 

Making my way inside and checking in, I was directed to my room, 215 (unfortunately not 221b!). Having spent some time watching BBC World, I popped down into the centre of Meiringen (the rain having stopped) for a quick pizza. Returning to the 'Englischer Hof', I watched some old episodes of 'Spooks' before turning in.




Wednesday 4th May 2016       (Reichenbach Day)

"At [Herr Steiler]'s advice, on the afternoon of the 4th we set off together, with the intention of crossing the hills and spending the night at the hamlet of Rosenlaui. We had strict injunctions, however, on no account to pass the falls of Reichenbach, which are about half-way up the hill, without making a small detour to see them".   [FINA]

Going down for an early breakfast, the sky seemed clear, so I was decided to start off as soon as possible. The plan was to follow as closely as possible in Holmes and Watson's footsteps, based on notes from Bernard Davies, published in the 'Sherlock Holmes Society of London Journal'.  I therefore strode off towards the Falls, passing by my base on my previous visit, Sporthotel Sherlock Holmes. Unfortunately the Reichenbachfallbahn was not running, and due to construction work going on, I could not go up the flight of stairs indicated in my directions. However, moving along a short distance, I managed to find a way up, and back on track. Passing a sign to Rosenlaui, I continued until I reached the final path up to the ledge, which involved a steep climb, but was soon standing where Holmes and Watson had.

"It is indeed, a fearful place. The torrent, swollen by the melting snow, plunges into a tremendous abyss, from which the spray rolls up like the smoke from a burning house. The shaft into which the river hurls itself is a immense chasm, lined by glistening coal-black rock, and narrowing into a creaming, boiling pit of incalculable depth, which brims over and shoots the stream onward over its jagged lip. The long sweep of green water roaring forever down, and the thick flickering curtain of spray hissing forever upward, turn a man giddy with their constant whirl and clamour. We stood near the edge peering down at the gleam of the breaking water far below us against the black rocks, and listening to the half-human shout which came booming up with the spray out of the abyss. The path has been cut half-way round the fall to afford a complete view, but it ends abruptly, and the traveller has to return as he came".    [FINA]

  

Walking along the ledge, I looked down into the abyss, and the water plunging down. I had the ledge completely to myself, and found myself wanting to shout 'Holmes' into the spray as Watson had done 125 years before. Having taken multiple photos, including of various plaques and memorials to Holmes, and myself in front of the star that can be seen from the other side of the Falls (where the funicular railway runs to).

 

 

 

Retracing my steps, slightly slower than Watson rushing back to the 'Englischer Hof', I passed a final memorial plaque. Having had a brief rest in my room, I made my way to the Museum.

 

The Sherlock Holmes Museum was opened on 4th May 1991 on the 100th anniversary of Reichenbach  (so it was its 25th anniversary that day), by Dame Jean Conan Doyle, daughter of Sir Arthur, in the English church in Meiringen.The Museum was designed by English architect couple John and Silvia Reid, and contains carefully collected authentic exhibition pieces of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes and the Victorian era. It also has a faithful reconstruction of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson's living room in 221B Baker Street, according to clues that are to be found in the stories. In the square outside is a statue of Holmes by John Doubleday who also created the statue of Holmes found outside Baker Street Underground Station.

 

Having walked around all the exhibits at least twice, I made my way back up to the entrance and gift shop, buying anything that I hadn't on my previous visit. My shopping was only getting started, as I moved into the centre of the town and a bookshop, where I purchased a French/English – Bilingual Edition of “The Final Problem” (as well as “The Empty House” and “The Five Orange Pips”, a couple of Meiringen postcards, a stamp and a book bag with the Sherlockian quote “Nichts ist trügerischer als eine offenkundige Tatsache" ("There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact."  [BOSC] )

Sitting at a bench outside the bookshop, I addressed one of the postcards to myself in pencil, added a brief message, then posted in it a nearby postbox, hoping to get the postmark dated 04/05/2016. [The postcard beat me back and had the right postmark. I then erased the pencil, readdressed it to Dr. J. Watson of Queen Anne Street, before copying out Holmes' note to Watson from the Falls on the left-hand side, dated 04/05/1891]

Moving on, I made my way into the Konditorei-Tea Room Frutiger. Meiringen is famous for its meringue, and some claim that it was invented there (hence the name). However, it was for a different treat that I popped in - a praline cream with a familiar silhouette on.

Having purchased two, I made my way back to the 'Englischer Hof' for a lazy evening.

Thursday 5th May 2016

 It was time to check-out and leave Meiringen. I made my way to the station, catching two trains, including a double-decker, until I reached Zurich, from where I was to be flying home that night.

Many of my plans for the day were scuppered by it being a religious holiday meaning that many of the museums were closed for the day. However, I managed to follow a walk around the town from my guidebook, and even managed to have a river cruise.

 
All too soon it was time to make my way to the airport, but not before visiting a bookshop in the main shopping centre to purchase a German language copy of "The Hound of the Baskervilles".

Sitting back in my plane seat, I mused on a hectic but enjoyable few days.