42 Balloons Review by Natalie Anglesey at The Lowry

 

42 Balloons at The Lowry

18 APRIL –19 MAY 2024

Review by Natalie Anglesey at the Quays Theatre

There’s nothing more exciting than a brand new musical which premiered, not in London nor in Manchester, but at the Quays Theatre at the Lowry in Salford. No need to combat Manchester city centre traffic or fight for a parking space. There's plenty of parking spaces and eateries in Salford Quays. But the question remains is this new work worth the price of a ticket? As far as I'm concerned and the rest of the audience,  it's a definite yes.

42 Balloons is the brainchild of Jack Godfrey who has not only written the story, but the music and lyrics as well.  Godfrey's previous works include This is A Love Story (Dundee Rep) and Babies (Lyric). So a relatively young, creative voice. This uplifting musical is based on the highly improbable, yet true story, of how on 2^nd July 1982, using a lawn chair and 42 helium-filled balloons, truck driver Larry Walters , defied all the odds (as well as FAA airspace regulations) to make his lifelong dream a reality by flying sixteen thousand feet above Los Angeles- in a chair!

Sounds far-fetched? Well the story was sufficient to attract interest from Steve Cowton and Matthew Eames, co-Heads of Theatre at The Lowry: “‘We have invested a lot in new musicals in recent years – through Rewrites, Operation Mincemeat, Police Cops and our artist development programme – but it is important that this is backed up by bold programming. Supporting this premiere production of 42 Balloons felt like the natural next step. Jack is an incredibly exciting writer, and this is a fascinating story to tell. We think audiences will love it and we are delighted they can see it here first!”

 Featuring an irresistible, 80s pop-inspired score, 42 BALLOONS poses the question - how far would you go to make your dreams come true? Is the sky actually the limit, and ultimately, what happens if it doesn’t all go to plan?

42 Balloons stars Charlie McCullagh (Bonnie & Clyde, Dr.Zhivago) and Evelyn Hoskins (Waitress, Gypsy, Spring Awakening) reprising their roles as ‘Larry’ and ‘Carol’ from the 2022 staged concert performances in the West End. They are both excellent. Joining them is Gillian Hardie (Kinky Boots, Blood Brothers, Bag Girls The Musical) as ‘Carol’s Mom’ and Lejaun Sheppard (The Book of Mormon, The Tina Turner Musical) as ‘Ron’.  They are also supported by a first rate cast. 

Ellie Coote (This is a Love Story) is director & dramaturg, with orchestrations, arrangements and musical supervision by Joe Beighton (SIX) and choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento (How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, & But I’m A Cheerleader). Scenic design is by Milla Clarke (Mates In Chelsea, Shooting Hedda Gabler), costume design by Natalie Pryce (VANYA, Newsies),  lighting design by Tony and Olivier Award-nominee Bruno Poet (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Miss Saigon) and sound design by Grammy and Tony Award-nominee Paul Gatehouse (SIX, Mary Poppins).

If you're wondering why this production is in the smaller Quays theatre rather than the main house - you have to see it to discover for yourselves why this intimate show is in the perfect setting.  42 Balloons is produced by Andy Barnes & Wendy Barnes for Global Musicals & Kevin McCollum in association with The Lowry, Debbie Hicks, Sam Levy, S&Co and Kenny Wax. Fight to get a ticket!

Photographs Pamela Raith Photography

PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES: 18 April – 19 May 2024 

BOX OFFICE: 0161 876 2000

AGE RECOMMENDATION: This production contains mild swearing and mature themes including suicide. Audience discretion is advised. Recommended for audiences 12+.

https://thelowry.com/whats-on/42-balloons/