27/05/2026
On Friday 22nd May, my Dad and I got a chance to see 'Our House' (The "Madness" Musical) at The Little Theatre. This is yet another musical I was excited to see with plenty of my friends saying it's truly a fun musical. Thankfully, it was quite a delightful musical, but it was definitely not what I was expecting.
The story is about lad named Joe Casey and how one major action change his life in a whole new directions. Thankfully, we are shown exactly what happens in these two timelines based on Joe's action (very similar to the film 'Sliding Doors'). Its clever storytelling showing about the ups and downs on both timelines - as you never know which side will have the best outcome. This keeps the audience engaged on what is going to happen next and relate to in every possible way. As we wonder if we changed one tiny thing we did in the past - could change our whole future and life in general.
Leading the musical throughout both the events was Liam Rowlands as the titular Joe Casey. Liam really did an excellent job clearly showing the two completely different sides of the same person. One of them rising into a corrupt industry losing his sense of humanity - while the other side is constantly down of his luck that always wants to do the right thing. It's honestly surprising that both timelines focus on the same character because they are completely polar opposites and Liam manages to protray both sides magnificently. Plus, the quick changes he has to do from the different Joe's flowed naturally - despite the hot temperature during the performance.
One of the other characters whose journey changes drastically due to one incident is Sarah played by Allanah Rogers. She was truly terrific in giving depth to Sarah as a very polite, caring & patent person, but can be pushed to the limit at times (mainly due to Joe's unfortunate actions). She does have a lovely & sweet chemistry with Liam/Joe (always a nice chemistry with each actor she is paired with based in my experience). She also has an incredible singing voice with her singing such songs as 'It Must Be Love' with Liam and 'N.W.5.' for her solo number (along with Joe's Dad).
Subtly guiding Joe on both journeys is his Dad played by Mick Hale. Despite him not being able to talk to Joe, he tries to guide Joe during both of his paths and watches over him as a spirit almost like an unfinished Act of Life. Despite him being "gone" for years - he still wants what is best for his son and his presence stills lingers through Joe.
I also like to personally say Lorna McCarthy was amazing as Kath (Joe's Mum). She gives a nurturing presence everytime she is on stage to show how gentle, optimistic and warming Kath is (especially around Joe). Most importantly, she has a believable motherly dynamic with almost every character she interacts with specifically Joe and wants him to do the right thing; as well as avoid going down the wrong path for both sides of him. Not to mention, had quite cute chemistry with Mick during the brief scene in the Prologue. She's an excellent performer & excellent singer and does an amazing job in this Major Supporting Role.
Despite it dealing with a serious topic 'Our House' does not shy away from including comedy in it. For instance, there are two hilarious duos with Alex Currie & Alex Parsons as Emmo & Lewis (cool name 😂) and Jayda Moyse & Kyra Zoe Spratley as Billie & Angie. Two completely different pairings, but never fail to get a laugh every scene they are in. Both have different styles with one of the pairs are so delightful goofy and absent minded you can't help to love & laugh whenever they come on stage. While on the other hand, you have obnoxious, sassy and total 'Mean Girls' friends of Sarah you love to hate to love.
There are a couple of not-so subtle Villains in this musical and especially leading Joe down the wrong path. Firstly we have Reecy played by Harvey Eldridge - a cocky, selfish & brutal geezer who never afraid to make trouble when needed or not needed. Then we have Mr Pressman played by Paul Blackwell- an upper-class, naive & ruthless business tycoon. He may hide through a charming presence at first, but behind that facade - he is not afraid to even break the law to get EXACTLY what he wants. They may be a bit standardly cliche characters to have, but honestly both actors make them entertaining to watch on the stage.
One more group of performers I have to shout-out are the whole ensemble, who were absolutely wonderful in this. They knew the choreography for all the big numbers step by step on such a small stage (thanks to Jo Herd as a terrific choreographer). Not to mention, managed to do quick changes into their different costumes organically from one scene to the next - it was especially very impressive in the warm weather (anyone who has to do that when the temperature is super hot - that is a big accomplishment). Big congratulations to: Adam Butcher, Eleanor Foster, Lizzy Hale, Helen Rudderham; Louise Hale, Naomi Star, Nick Nork and Rosy Clinton; truly well done to all of you and all the Principle cast too.
The music was lively as it features songs from the well-known English band - 'Madness'. The songs were so catchy that even days after - I can still hear them in mind (something Madness is known for 😊). It not only featured songs everyone knows such as: Our House/House of Fun (perfect combination), Baggy Trousers, Embarrassment; Driving In My Car and It Must Be Love. It even had some underrated ones including: Simple Equation, Tomorrow's Just Another Day, One Better Day, Rise & Fall and N.W.5.; just to name a few. It also worked lyric wise as it flowed perfectly into the story and I really liked how they were woven during the whole show.
Overall, it was great seeing not only this musical, but 'The Tempest' (also at The Little Theatre) and 'The Great British Bake Off - The Musical' (at the Luton Library Theatre). Three spectacular stage productions that were done by talented people - most of them I'm proud to call my friends. Plus it was even nice seeing plenty of my friends coming to see the same performance of 'Our House' I did including: Joshua Thompson, Chloe Whitney-Bamford (both sat next to us in the same row), Graham Thomas (behind us), Chris Burrett, Tanisha Santiago; Kerry Collins & Jackie Houghton. I also have to give praise to: Angela Gross (the director), Fiona Whiteside (Stage Manager) and Chris Young (the Musical Director); along with the rest of the band and crew helped who made it look & sound phenomenal the way it did. I definitely recommend you check out 'Our House: The Musical' and see what you think of it for yourself.
