GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY at The Lowry review by Natalie Anglesey

GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY at The Lowry Review by Natalie Anglesey

I’ve been a fan of playwright Conor McPherson since I first saw The Weir, one of his early plays, which left a lasting impression. This multi- award-winning playwright has since gone on to write The Seafarer and also to direct his latest work, Girl From The North Country.

When I read that it had music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, my immediate reaction was concern that the music may drown the plot, particularly when I heard that Bob Dylan had actually played live on stage in America! However, don’t get your hopes up as The Lowry is not expecting a repeat appearance.  

Like much of McPherson’s previous work, this is an uplifting story about family and love, which reimagines Dylan’s legendary songs. Dylan has been quoted as saying: “To be associated with Conor is one of the highlights of my professional life. It goes without saying the man is a genius for putting this thing together and I’m thrilled to be a part of the experience. My songs couldn’t be in better hands.”

Incidental to this production, Dylan fans may be interested to know that the Broadway cast recording of Girl From The North Country was nominated for a 2022 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album and won Best Orchestrations at the 75^th Tony Awards.

It’s set in 1934, in the heartland of America, during a period of deep racial prejudice. A group of wayward souls gradually become aware that nothing is what it seems. But, as they search for a future for themselves, while attempting to hide from the past, they find themselves facing unspoken truths about the present. But it's really not as complicated as that may sound.

Among a notable cast there are stand-out performances from Keisha Amponsa Banson (Mrs Neilsen), Ross Carswell (Elias Burke), Colin Connor (Nick Laine),  Joshua C Jackson (Joe Scott), Eli James (Reverend Marlowe), Justina Kehinde (Marianne), Teddy Kempner (Mr Perry), Chris McHallem (Dr Walker), Frances McNamee (Elizabeth Laine), Gregor Milne (Gene Laine), Eve Norris (Katherine Draper),  James Staddon (Mr Burke), and Rebecca Thornhill (Mrs Burke).As well as a group of talented musicians /actors described as ensemble players.

Girl From The North Country has won awards wherever it has toured from London to New York, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Writer and Director Conor McPherson said: “Collaborating with Bob Dylan has been a unique privilege for me. We have had an amazing journey opening on Broadway and in the West- End, but I feel particularly excited and moved to finally bring this work to my home- town of Dublin and on tour around the UK.”

I don’t normally have space to give the backstage cast the accolades they richly deserve. However, in this production, credit must go to scenic and costume design by Rae Smith ; superb orchestrations, arrangements, and music supervision by Simon Hale, with additional arrangements by Hale and McPherson. The atmospheric lighting design is by Mark Henderson; with sound design by Simon Baker; and movement direction by Lucy Hind. 

Girl From The North Country is produced by Tristan Baker & Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Steven Lappin, Sony Music Entertainment UK, David Mirvish and The Old Vic -names that Conor must have dreamt of having on his team since his early years.

Girl From The North Country is only at The Lowry from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 September. Give yourself a treat- you won’t regret it.