Exploding onto the stage at the Lyric Hammersmith, Fangirls is the newest bubbly and bold piece to take the place by storm. This group of teenagers are not to be messed with, as their devotion to their boyband icon reaches new heights. Packed with punchy tunes, vibrant choreography and comedic quips, it will undoubtedly keep you engaged.
Read my full review here:
Terique Jarrett plays Salty, the fanfic-writing friend, and has kindly told us more from his perspective.
What makes Fangirls unique, and how does the gig atmosphere enhance the performance?
My two favourite elements of this show that set it apart from any musical I’ve seen on stage are the choreography and the set design. Our set is made up of three, moveable, digital screens upstage and a large circular screen on the floor. The collaboration between our production designer, David Fleischer, and our video designer, Ash J Woodward, has resulted in an out-of-this-world sensory experience. Combined with the choreography by Ebony Williams, who has experience choreographing for musicals and recording artists alike, the whole production resembles a musical concert; with all of this accenting the exuberant and whacky world Yve Blake has created! There’s always something to keep the audience engaged.
How does the production translate to British audiences despite its Australian origins?
I think there is a similarity to Australian and British humour: they both have a layer of dryness but with the humour in this show, there is an added layer of shock. There are many moments that catch audiences off guard because something almost unbelievable was said.
How does the comedy integrate with the music and staging to keep the piece fast a fun?
I think of Fangirls as a train that is moving at high speed: once you decide to get on board with it, you’re in for a (fast) ride! The audience is constantly hit with new experiences, whether that be a fourth-wall-breaking pop concert, down-tempo musical theatre ballads or risqué humour. Yve is very skilled at using juxtaposition; sometimes the lyrics may not match the vibe of a song or the language used by the teenage characters may be unexpected and this is what catches audiences by surprise to comical effect.
What have you enjoyed most so far, and what are some highlights since joining the show?
As with every job, the most enjoyable part of the process has been the team involved! I have been lucky to work with such talented, creative and hilarious people on this job.
What message does the show convey, and how might it differ from initial expectations?
The teenage characters, the popping colours and the upbeat songs may lead you to believe the show is only about having fun but the show interrogates the stigma around fandoms and particularly their young fans. It encourages us all to reconsider how fandoms can actually be formative in our personal growth.
Huge thanks to Terique for some great answers about your Fangirls experience - have an amazing time over the remainder of the run!
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