I am overjoyed to say that I got to see the 2-day-only concert of Something Rotten in London. It was outstanding, and for me, it is now in my top three shows with Cabaret and The Book of Mormon. It was one of the shows that I have adored since when I first got into musical theatre, but I hadn't heard a lot about it and assumed it wouldn't be back on stage for a good while. Then, only on Sunday, August 4th, I got a last-minute notification about the performance that I ended up seeing on Tuesday, only 2 days later. It had always been on my must-see musicals list that ticks all the boxes for a great show, in my opinion, but I thought it would never happen. I am really eager to see if this concert is a precursor to Something Rotten opening on the West End, as it caters to many audiences and would bring even more variety to the shows on now.
I have to start by praising the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for its ornate and elegant décor that feels like a true homage to musical theatre's roots and greatest performers, thanks to its thoughtful renovation in 2019. For me, I found that this was one of the most respectful audiences that I have ever sat in. I think in part that stems from a respect for a theatre that feels designed for musical theatre and immerses people in decadence and a visual spectacle from the moment they enter. This is also effected by the fact that musical theatre concerts don't tend to attract many people who are not intent on seeing the show in whatever form they can, out of a love for its score and musical theatre as a whole, meaning concerts often attract more avid theatre goers. The final reason I think the group attracted by this show was so well versed in the etiquette of live performances was just due to the nature of the show. That caters overarchingly to a musically obsessed audience. Due to its entire premise being a musical about musicals packed full of theatre-related comedy, it is truly one of my favourite performances to see as someone who adores musical theatre and got to sit in a massive group of people who felt the same way.
What makes Something Rotten so fun is the comedic familiarity that caters to an audience that remembers a bit of musical theatre and Shakespeare from when they were kids, to the extreme of someone obsessed with musicals and plays. I also think the skill of a show being written with enough skill and knowledge that provides a balance between the modern and the historical, with that level of understanding from the entire creative team involved, blends seamlessly into each other without loosing any integrity of either period of time. Allowing the comedy, story, and costume to become the focus without the need to try and navigate unnatural premises.
I think that even though it is constructed for a spectrum of people, it is a very accessible show, as nearly everyone will be familiar with some of the references. Even if that is very few, there is still a balance of jokes that aren't related to theatre, making it highly unlikely that someone wouldn't enjoy the show. However, if you do understand all or a large majority of the references, it is truly hilarious, at times even leaving me in tears of laughter. Presenting an even stronger case as to why it would fit well in the repertoire of the West End. The music in Something Rotten is also expertly crafted, as it blends the sounds expected for 1595 seamlessly with a more modern and theatrical sound, as well as motifs for a number of big musicals.
The cast of this was outstanding, and I'm glad to say it filled the shoes of the incredible original Broadway cast, with individuals like Heidi Blickenstaff, Brian D'Arcy James, and Christian Borle. That was a big ask. I felt all the characters retained their original essence of the 2015 production we all know and love. Due to the show running for only 2 days, I knew very little about what to expect in terms of costume and set. Musical theatre concerts always have varied levels of likeness to the actual show. I am eager to report that the cast was not short of a dance routine, prop, costume piece, or anything else. The only changes that would likely be different if it were to run longer would be to have a more dedicated tap floor and shoes and would probably have a bigger set not confined by necessity. However, these minor details had no influence on the enjoyment or quality of the show. Allowing it to rise to one of my top three shows I have seen to date.
Therefore, I cannot wait to see where this show ends up in the future, as so many would be so excited at the prospect of seeing it, and it would likely attract a decent new audience as well. I would describe it as a historical and more family-friendly show adjacent to The Book of Mormon. It is just an experience designed to bring joy to the audience and bring with it the feeling of community that is at the heart of musical theatre. So I would recommend looking out for any shows at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, as it has proven itself to be an outstanding venue, as well as keeping a lookout for future productions of this show. Overall, I loved the show, cast, theatre, and experience as a whole.
-Jason Manford as Nick Bottom and Gary Wilmot as Nostradamus in 2024 production of Something Rotten in concert.
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