Cooper The Musical
They don’t make comedians like they used to and they certainly broke the mould when they created Tommy Cooper! Forever to be instilled as a comedy legend with the likes of Morecombe and Wise, Les Dawson and Frankie Howerd, Cooper had a darker side he hid from the world.
Cooper The Musical celebrates the highs of Coopers career and explores the lows of his personal life – his drinking, his mistress and his devoted wife, Dove.
Act One begins in Cooper’s final moments. As Tommy hangs between life and death he makes a deal to tell his side of the story. Why and how it all started and how he wants to be remembered for the funny bits, the TV shows and the over the top, panto style sketches that people love to this day. It shows us the lighter, funny side to Cooper, the persona we recognise from TV and the star that he wants to be remembered as.
In Act Two we hear from Cooper’s Manager, Miff, and we see how Cooper was perceived from his inner circle and what life was really like for those close to him. It’s a darker side to the successful image, a heavier burden in the star’s life. But as Cooper tries to stall for time, the inevitable happens and realising that his fate is sealed he fades away to the one thing he strived for, the sound of laughter.
The show’s writer Stefan Pejic also takes on the lead role and encompasses the role seamlessly, portraying Cooper’s unique style of performance. His comedic timing and experience of performing magic shines through to create a confident rapport with the audience. There are some touching moments with his wife Dove, played superbly by Rhian Morwood, in particular during, “Would You Be My Valentine” and with his mistress Mary, played by Olivia Snowdon, as their relationship progresses.
Scott Anthony plays a wonderful portrayal of Eric Morcombe (as well as other characters), and a special mention must go to Scarlet Faye Pejic as Tommy’s daughter Vicky (and Bobby Ball) making her professional stage debut. She has a wonderfully natural stage presence and the ability to play straight and comedic at the drop of a hat. A guaranteed name to watch for the future.
Sarah Clatworthy’s choreography works well in the small space of The Arts Wing at the Grand, moving us through the story progressively. The musical numbers slot in well to the overall story (Musical Direction by Dai Smith and Allyson Summerhayes) and Peter Richards Direction is well suited to the piece.
It’s important to remember that Cooper’s story is not unusual. Many artists that have reached the top get there through hidden pain and whilst they are making millions happy, they are struggling to find that happiness for themselves. It’s a relatable situation for many of us in our day to day lives, not just relevant to showbusiness.
Cooper The Musical, is noted to be a work in progress, but with a slightly larger budget to bring set and costumes up a notch and incorporating the enthusiasm that the audience clearly had for the production, there is no doubt that, ‘Just Like That!’ we will be seeing a bigger, bolder and glitzier production in the time to come.
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
AD/Gifted
Photo credit : Leuan Bradfield
Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show