IDENTICAL REVIEW at the Lowry by Natalie Anglesey

 

 IDENTICAL REVIEW at The LOWRY by Natalie Anglesey

Many moons ago, back in the sixties, I saw a charming identity – swap, Disney film called The Parent Trap starring a young Hayley Mills. I little imagined, at the time, it would eventually have another life on stage - but this time as a musical called Identical!

Following rave reviews in Nottingham, where this co- production opened, there’s now the chance of seeing Identical at The Lowry. If I were you I’d grab the opportunity while you can - as it’s only there until 3rd of September before it heads to the West End.

Based on the original book by Erich Kastner, with a new stage adaptation by Stuart Paterson, this new production is in the expert hands of Olivier and Tony award-winning director Trevor Nunn. He’s the man responsible for directing other hit musicals like Les Miserables, Starlight Express, Cats and Sunset Boulevard. 

The story revolves around Lottie and Lisa, twin girls, separated at birth but reunited by chance at a summer camp ten years later. They hatch a plot to swap identities in an attempt to get to know their other parent better!

Much easier to do on film than on stage where three sets of identical twins take it in turns to play the central roles of Lottie and Lisa. After extensive auditions  Emme and Eden Patrick, 12 from Waltham Abbey and Sienna and Savannah Robinson, 12 from Bromley were cast, while also on the night I saw it, Kyla and Nicole Fox, aged 12, from County Armagh, Northern Ireland were excellent as the twins.

There’s also perfect casting in both sets of parents with the mother of the identical twins  played by Emily Tierney ( Glinda in Wicked and Molly in Ghost)  while James Darch  (Sky in Mamma Mia and Brad in The Rocky Horror Show) plays their father. There’s a great ensemble cast of children and adults while I also noticed a member of the Nunn family gaining stage experience. 

The music and lyrics are by brilliant, award-winning veterans ( in experience rather than age) George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (Honk! and a new score for the Cameron Mackintosh/Disney production of Mary Poppins.) They and a huge team of creative experts, with some great sets by Robert Jones, embellish this warm tale of reconciliation.

Encompassing and entertaining a packed audience of adults and children alike is no mean feat for all concerned both on stage and backstage. To quote my ten year old: “I didn’t like it- I Loved it!” 

Catch it at The Lowry until 3rd September before you have to pay West End prices. Book at thelowry.com



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