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Based on the picture book by Kate Pankhurst, a fresh feminist pop musical is back, as Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World has had a brilliantly deserved reception during its recent tour, and is now taking residency at London's The Other Palace for a limited summer run. A selection of some of the most inspirational women from the past are portrayed in a fun-filled manner while empowering all who listen to their stories.
As our little protagonist, Jade (played enthusiastically by Georgia Grant-Anderson), gets sidetracked on her school trip to the local museum, she ends up getting separated from the rest of the group, so sneaks off to visit a secret area that is unopened, named the 'Gallery of Greatness'. Here, heroines begin to appear to reassure Jade that her place in the world is valued, by just being who she is.
Through an excellent original songlist composed with lyrics by Chris Bush and Miranda Cooper, with the latter collaborating with Jennifer Decilveo on the music, the tracks are faultlessly catchy, and it is essential to have the cast album on repeat once you've seen the show. Vocally, each member of the cast contributes to create a combined magic, blending their tones well, but additionally displaying skill on their own.
The show begins by demonstrating this through 'Quiet Children'- an immediate introduction to the captivating and consistently engaging staging that only gets progressively more exciting throughout. In contrast, Jade then has a solo with 'I'm Here' when expressing her desire to be noticed as she is feeling suppressed, which develops both the character and performer's confidence over the course of the show.
From Amelia Earhart to Marie Curie; Frida Kahlo, Emmeline Pankhurst, Jane Austen, Rosa Parks, and more, there are plenty of recognisable figures to be met during the performance, and it's guaranteed you'll learn something new about them, and several other clever references are made too. Between them, Elena Breschi, Meg Hateley, Charlotte Jaconelli and Anelisa Lamola share a range of roles, with different, but equally strong and inspiring characterisation. Exceptional casting makes it genuinely believable that these iconic women are here to give us advice, and even with lots of swapping, this, along with the block colour outfits, keep it easy to follow for all ages.
Amy Hodge's direction makes for enjoyable viewing alongside engaging choreography by Dannielle Lecointe too. With each new discovery for Jade, the audience is exposed to enchanting surprises amid a swirl of costume changes and emerging, vivid set pieces - both designed by Joanna Scotcher - that bring professionalism and wonder as to what is coming next, even while technically simple to execute. While there is not a moment that seems flat or out of place, Frida Kahlo's song 'World of Colour' was notably impressive in every sense, and feels an utter joy to watch. The finale was an exuberant end to the performance too, simultaneously being upbeat and full of happiness, yet alongside a message that has a touch of poignancy for all women watching. It's particularly key that while the show exudes the beauty of female success, it also denotes the difficulties and persistence along the way that means while that fire inside of us burns bright for change, the course rarely runs smooth or alters the planet in a day, giving a vitally realistic yet passionate outlook.
Although a family show, and lighthearted (particularly in the way of moustaches), the meaning of the show is crucial for adults and children alike. Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is truly revolutionary - there is so much hope for this to gain further traction, to keep enhancing the platforms on which women are celebrated, and to persevere with expressing this with the continued great need that there is. This show could not be held in higher praise: it is important, necessary, and a must-see.
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