Muriel's Wedding - musical review

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Whether you're a die-hard fan of the cult classic or new to the whirlwind story altogether, Muriel's Wedding, directed by Simon Phillips, has travelled from Australia to bring the UK a bit of its flamboyant fun. It's a great way to bring us into the summer months- the bouquet has been caught, and the next party is just getting started.

As the saying goes: 'You're terrible, Muriel!'. Well... not quite a summary of the show, but possibly a reflection of some of the outdated tropes perpetuated throughout. Of course, the whole premise is fuelled by a young woman seeking self-value by getting married after feeling unworthy of her existence. While the end of the narrative attempts to contradict this, the consistent discussion of being put down for being too 'fat' or ugly or not cool enough does not offer the empowering vision intended when changed anymore, given the current climate that demands better for women than being refined to these factors (and rightly so). Since PJ Hogan's hit film was a '90s catch, the inclusion of social media technology is clearly a modernisation technique to bring the piece forward. However, it all feels a little out of place given the notions in the script.

That being said, Megan Ellis' role as Muriel Heslop oozes the Aussie charm that makes her character likeable with an infectious personality to follow through her journey. Escaping Porpoise Spit to embrace the culture of Sydney and find her true love, a wild adventure awaits. Fostering a spark with an old acquaintance that blossoms into a strong friendship, Muriel and Rhonda (Annabel Marlow) feel as if they can conquer the world away from their troubles. That is, until it comes crashing down around them.

The script covers everything from chronic illness and suicide to bullying and relationship breakdown, dotted - without much explanation - amongst otherwise a lighthearted comedy musical. A lot is covered with very little depth to the emotions, leaving everything, including the set design, seeming very flat and surface-level. Group choreography by Andrew Hallsworth fills the space energetically with its exuberance on occasion, but the use of the round is excessive without adding too much to the positioning. There are a few standout pieces, such as the cruise scene and the effective use of neon lighting, but the overall appearance seems inconsistent. While the sentiment is nice, sadly, the concluding scenes don't live up to the expected upbeat calibre either.

Completing the Heslops, Darren Day plays Bill; Laura Medforth as Betty; Jacob Warner as Perry; Joseph Peacock as Malcolm, and Lena Pattie Jones as Joanie. Together, the siblings embody stereotypical teenage laziness, while the parents face relationship conflict. Bronte Alice-Tadman becomes Deidre, a feisty beauty consultant, while Ethan Pascal Peters is the ever-hopeful romantic, Bryce, and Stephen Madsen is Alexander Shkuratov.

Due to the lack of richness, even the most shocking turn of events doesn't feel hugely impactful, besides Betty's gently heartbreaking 'SOS' scene and 'Ride or Die' between the two best friends. However, the overarching soundtrack, with music and lyrics by Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall, is enjoyable. A few songs are the usual repetitive concept, but accompany the vibe of the bubbly, bouncy show at hand, particularly those featuring the four uptight friends, Tania (Helen Hill), Nicole (Jasmine Beel), Janine (Daisy Twells) and Cheryl (Lillie-Pearl Wildman).

Since Muriel strives to be taken 'where life can be as happy as an ABBA song', none other than the Swedish foursome get their feature (Bronte Alice-Tadman, Jasmine Hackett, Aaron Tsindos, and Jamie Doncaster as Frida, Agnetha, Benny and Björn respectively). Popping up randomly and amusingly to bring bouts of joy, this certainly distracts from the fluidity of the plot, but my my, how can anyone resist it? The welcomed familiarity of the tunes - by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson - and radiating glee from ABBA is a feature fitting for the positive, comedic moments, though more fodder for mockery (as is sexuality, later on, for another character).

Overall, Muriel's Wedding is a mixed bag. Its eclectic nature will certainly appeal to some, but others will prefer a more mature and meaningful production. Wedding guest tickets are available for those seeking a special experience, allowing audience members to be invited on stage for a scene - a wonderfully unique opportunity for those keen. Megan Ellis is a commendable lead who should not be overshadowed by other elements.