[title of show]

With music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen and book by Hunter Bell, this is the self-chronicled story of Bowen and Bell’s own creation to enter a show in the New York Music Theatre Festival back in 2004. A show about a show about writing a show has the potential for creative disaster, but its 20-year lifespan would beg to differ. And so would I.

Deftly directed by Christopher J. Clegg, the piece moves effortlessly from the real to the surreal using just four chairs (and a keyboard). Clever use of space, height and lighting ensure that we are treated to fluidity and interest throughout this witty, clever and occasionally irreverent musical. And kudos for changing the original book’s references to contemporary shows to the modern day. Interesting to note, though, that one of the original numbers, coincidentally called “Original Musical” was dropped from this production. Presumably for its somewhat racist overtones.

It’s an ensemble piece and all four players – Jacob Fowler as Hunter, Thomas Oxley as Jeff, Abbie Budden as Heidi and Mary Moore as Susan are excellent with great signing voices that harmonise well with each other. And let’s not forget Tom Chippendale, the MD, as the occasionally (deliberately) overlooked Larry. All manage to capture the humour and the pathos in the numbers and deliver them perfectly.

This is, I believe, a much under-rated show that deserves a much wider audience than it’s been given in the UK. In the hands of Christopher J. Clegg and Tom Chippendale, it’s found another lease of life, and I would urge as many as people as possible to see it.

Daryl Bennett