Police Cops The Musical
From small beginnings at Edinburgh Fringe in 2016 to a six week engagement at The Southwark Playhouse Elephant ‘Police Cops The Musical’ has well and truly hit the ground running with a slick performance. With a catchy 80’s soundtrack, side splitting comedy and impressive choreography this is a must see show for everyone!
Set in 1985, rookie Police Cop Jimmy Johnson takes on the biggest case of his career chasing a dangerous drug lord all the way to Mexico, going up against a racist Police Chief and dealing with the trauma of losing his sister Billie at a young age. We join Jimmy on the journey to justice and it is a whale of a ride!
Written by Zachary Hunt, Nathan Parkinson and Tom Roe (who also star in the show) this is a masterclass in physical comedy and satire. The chemistry between the cast is clear and they work so beautifully together. Taking it’s inspiration from classic 80’s cop films and TV shows, it hits the mark at every opportunity and delights the audience throughout the evening. Jokes come thick and fast, with some clever word play and some fantastic physical moments.
The songs come from Ben Adams who has previously written another fantastic 80’s musical in ‘Eugenius’. Every song is perfectly formed with synth beats and snazzy rhythms, they’re catchy and I was singing them the whole way home, in particular the opening number ‘The U.S Eighties’ is a stand out. It perfectly sets the tone at the top of the show and you know you’re in for a good time!
Along with the three writers are supporting cast members Melinda Orengo and Natassia Bustamante who are both absolutely incredible in their roles. Showing off impressive vocal skills in not only their singing but also in their diverse range of accent’s used.
The set and lighting design from Andrew Exeter is very clever and uses the space wonderfully. It’s clear to see this show has come from smaller fringe venues as it’s simple yet impactful and really packs a punch.
The choreography has been put together by Olivier Award winner Matt Cole and it is truly sensational. The larger dance sequences are impressive and show off every cast members talents with movement.
This is an absolutely incredible show and I am kicking myself that I have not seen it sooner! It is perfection from start to finish and truly is the funniest thing I have ever seen. It perfectly leans into the ‘Cop Show’ tropes and executes them with brilliance.
I recommend you beg, borrow or steal to get a ticket for this show, I’ve booked to see it twice more and I predict it’s going to be a huge success for many years to come!
5 stars (but if I could give it 10 I would!)
This show was reviewed on the 14th March 2024 at Southwark Playhouse Elephant where it runs until the 20th April 2024. Tickets available here: Police Cops: The Musical - Southwark Playhouse
Review written by Rosie Browne
AD/Gifted
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
You can watch our previous interview with Zachary Hunt here : https://youtu.be/PQFHigVN_2Y?si=SUYd5D9oPLNuHZCW
Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.
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