'Pippin' at The Menier Chocolate Factory

Last night we went to see 'Pippin' at the Choccy Factory. Don't be surprised if you've never heard of it before - I hadn't - but it's an early work from the bloke who wrote 'Wicked' so that gives you an idea of what to expect.

This is a new production updated to the internet age and a set that reminded me of the film, 'Tron' from the 80s. You walk through Pippin's bedroom to get into the theatre and then through a lazer display and that really sets the scene. The play is structured by the different levels of a computer game and geek Pippin needs to advance through the levels in his alter ego as th son of Charlemagne in the middle ages. Pippin goes on a personal journey (as they say on the talent shows) to find himself and instead he's saved by the woman he loves... at a price...

I loved this production with lazers and lights all over, people crawling through walls all over the set, Bob Fosse poses and dancing, revealing costumes and Charlemagne's annoying dreadlocks. I loved the loud rawk guitar in a few of the songs in the first half and they could've built on this in the second half but didn't.

The star of the show in more ways than just playing the lead character was Harry Hepple as Pippin. Harry has a lovely voice and his speaking voice occasionally has the added charm of belying his North Eastern roots. I saw Harry in the 'Spelling Bee' at the Donmar earlier this yearbut much preferred this production. His voice has lovely tone and expression and I look forward to following his career.

If you get the chance, go and see this production - it's great fun! I quite fancy paying a repeat visit myself.