Fangirls
As you enter, the set appears to be a simple black space with a lit-up Fangirls logo on a video wall. There is a gig-style lighting truss angled into the audience. I was gripped as soon as the action started. The video wall and floor lit up with a burst of colours as we saw a motorbike action sequence, which transitioned into a well-choreographed fight scene. Comic sound effects emphasised the action, along with strobing spotlights. This moment highlighted what is possible when the entire creative team works together. Even the costumes were styled like an iconic pop video.
The story breaks, revealing that this sequence is a daydream in the style of fanfiction. If you've ever had a crush on a musician, this is for you. Even if you never reached the fanfiction stage, there will be relatable moments, even if it’s just having their face on a pillow.
There was also a three-tier stacked screen, each in front of the other, sometimes used for close-ups. I am unsure if Video System Designer Mogzi intended this to be a comedic moment; from the circle, this stacking effect made the close-ups look comical, as if you’d folded a photo with bits missing. It may well have lined up if you were looking up from the stalls. Either way, the audience found it highly amusing.
The audience really took to the show, and at appropriate moments, some even sang along. After the interval, we had a preshow in the auditorium teaching us some simple hand gestures to use during the upcoming performance. We were then treated to a band performance. This, to me, was another highlight with cliché songs about girls and saving children, while wearing a sparkling see-through top and silver trousers. Thomas Grant, in the role of Harry, did a great job creating this character with fantastically timed hair flicks and a dramatic change in tone matched by the lighting as he spoke to the audience. He was the stereotypical boyband member. The lights, however, were more fitting for a stadium concert at times, with far too many bright flashes at eye level.
Keeping with this theme, Ebony Williams as the Choreographer did a wonderful job keeping the dancing in the style of these manufactured pop bands, making it all seem very familiar. The cast sang in character too, which was an interesting take on these teens, though I would have liked to hear a few more challenging numbers. Gracie McGonigal in the ensemble had some lovely moments where she sang flamboyant high notes in a melisma style.
A lovely touch was using students from the BRIT School for their prerecorded global fan chorus. It’s always good to include and support up-and-coming performers.
I would have liked to see more character development. We have our main three, Harry, and the Mum. There are mentions of backstories, but they are never really explored. One character whose parents have split up gets a phone call from the father saying they can’t see them this weekend. I thought this would start some character development, but the next time we see this character, they are just messaging a boy like nothing has happened.
Likewise, there is a powerful scene where the lead, Jasmine Elcock as Edna, gives what seems like a suicide note speech next to a bed with a concealed person. As she mentions her friends and mother, they walk by in a somber way. However, it turns out this was just an odd heartfelt speech and added nothing but confusion.
Like any pop band, I think this show will find its following of fans, and those dragged along to chaperone the fans.
This show was reviewed on the 24th July 2024 at the Lyric Hammersmith where it runs until the 24th August 2024. Tickets available here: FANGIRLS - Lyric Hammersmith
Review written by Valentine Gale-Sides
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Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
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