Identical at Nottingham Playhouse on 10th August 2022 (Matinee Show)
Review:
Engaging, Heartwarming, sensationally sung and acted with so much heart you’ll connect so deeply and you’ll cry.
If you’ve ever been a fan of The Parent Trap be it the book or the movies then it’s a show you must see. It captures the book so accurately bringing it to life, while also adding small touches of the movies too.
The show is beautiful, delicate and heartwarming, with a cast chosen so perfectly it feels real. With beautiful costumes and an amazing but simple set, new age tech that is so creative, choreography that will leave you in awe. This show has so much to offer and I guarantee you will love it.
Our leading ladies Kyla and Nicole Fox who play Lisa and Lottie are talented way beyond their years, they held this whole show and did something many adults could never do and did it with such maturity and talent. In case you aren’t sure what I’m referring to it is that they are on stage practically every scene, many of the times alone or just the two of them and I’m in total awe of these girls for that. It’s no easy job but they made it seem easy as they were pro’s on that stage, holding and carrying the show.
Their portrayal of the roles were beautifully done, they gave the characters such innocence and you fell in love with them instantly. They are utterly adorable and will melt your heart with their cuteness. They told the story so well, tugging at your heart so much, delivering some of the most hilarious lines. Their connection with each other was undeniable and you could see they were truly best friends it was so precious.
The girls voices were beautiful and soft which added to their innocence, I adored ‘You’re My Sister’, (which is now my favourite song from this show) it made me tear up it was such a sweet show of connection, their voices together were stunning and it was so sweet listening to them singing.
Their connection with the parents played by Emily Tierney and James Darch was so deep and seamless they fitted together perfectly. These girls are undeniably talented and I’m so glad that I got to witness their portrayal of this story. There’s no doubt in my mind that these girls will have an incredible career as they are such phenomenal performers.
The mother Lisalotte played by Emily Tierney, what a beautiful woman, she made me weep the most in this show adding so much emotion into her songs and scenes. Most especially the scene where she finds out about her daughter’s oh my goodness the tears fell hard. She portrays her so delicately, she is so gentle and loving and adores her daughters wholeheartedly. Her voice is so soft and beautiful and I loved listening to her. Her connection with the girls was gorgeous, and their voices worked so well together.
The father Johan played by James Darch is such an outstanding all round actor. He portrayed the character perfectly with his soft loving fatherly side, but also his gruffness that his two lives were being interrupted as his daughter and fiancé were butting heads and not getting on as he hoped for. I love how he captured this character and showed the multiple sides of him. The piano composing scene between he and Lisa/Lottie was beautiful singing ‘Making It Up As We Go Along’ it showed the deeper connection between the two, it was a stunning scene.
Miss Gerlach/ the witch played by Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson, what a talent, she portrayed the villain so incredibly and she and Lottie/Lisa were the perfect antagonists to each other. The scene where they are arguing and singing ‘What He Doesn’t Need’ with each other over Johan was one of my favourites of the whole show and the two of them together were incredible, such a great scene. Her dancing in the ballet had me in awe, it was utterly stunning, mesmerising and wow I’m still a bit speechless at how gorgeous that scene was. She is such a sensational dancer and I’m so happy I got a chance to see her dance, it was so beautiful.
Ellie Nunn who played Miss Ulrike gave us the most beautiful opening number ‘In The Summer’, it was a stunning opening. It set the camp scene right away and instantly made you feel like you were there with her. Bringing out the children and starting us off on this beautiful story.
The children playing the best friends were amazing, i believe I saw Parrine Long, Kirsten Muzvuru and Helena Middleton. I loved the friendship we saw between them and Lisa during camp. It was shorter than I would have liked as I would have loved a little more at camp than we were given, but was still really sweet. These girls also all did multiple roles and set moving alongside an incredible children’s ensemble, it was amazing and choreographed incredibly with so many children. I did notice we were one friend short we had no Gerda and also had no Gretel in the ballet, not sure why she wasn’t there but I did notice her absence.
I was surprised at how little we saw of the dog, I know dog actors are hard to train so I totally understand not using it much, however the dog does portray a big part in the books story so would have loved seeing how he knows the difference between the girls before anyone else a bit more.
The costumes were utterly stunning, capturing the era to a tee, those dresses in the party scene were gorgeous. The set was simple but so beautifully crafted, aided by the insanely creative special effects that all moved and interchanged between scenes, we also had storms, tress blowing in the breeze, leaves falling down and a tram going by in the background. What an interesting and creative addition to this show. The sound effects were at times really extremely loud and made you jump out of your skin as you had no idea they were coming. With the storm scene and the nightmare scene you are scared instantly.
The songs were all absolutely beautiful and I loved each one of them, they captured the story perfectly, telling it with a sweet gentleness and they made you feel everything and weep at times. They were so beautifully created with a great orchestra giving us the gorgeous music along side them. I want a cast recording with this whole cast, I want to be able to listen to these songs over and over again. So please can you make one with this incredible cast thank you.
I loved this show so much, it was so beautifully created, so heartwarming, the connections and songs draw you in instantly. The twins were so beyond talented and I will remain in awe of these girls talent forever. The parents were incredible such a deep and personal connection they formed with each other and the girls it was stunning. The songs and music were all so great and help tell this beloved story so perfectly. I’m so honoured that I got the chance to witness such an incredible beautiful dream of a show. I won’t ever forget this experience of seeing it.
I would love to see this show go on a full tour all round the U.K. it will reach so many more families and people that grew up loving the Parent Trap and be accessible to lots more people also. Though I know the rumour is to get it on the West End which would still be great for this show and would reach people there too. Either way It will be a great way to continue telling this beautiful story and letting it live on for longer.
If you can go and see it I 100% advise that you do, it has almost ended it’s run at Nottingham Playhouse will be there until the 14th August before moving to Manchester at The Lowry from 19th August to 3rd September. You don’t want to miss this beautiful production.
Cast:
The Twins:
Kyla & Nicole Fox as Lisa & Lottie
Emme & Eden Patrick as Lisa & Lottie
Savannah & Sienna Robinson as Lisa & Lottie
The Adult Cast:
Emily Tierney as Lisalotte
James Darcher as Johan
Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson as Miss Gerlach
Louise Gold as Roza & Miss Muthesius
Michael Smith-Stewart as Dr. Strobl
David Bardsley as Franz & Mr. Bernau
Rosie Glossop as Miss Linekogel, Ensemble & Cover Roza/ Miss Muthesius
Ellie Nunn as Miss Ulrike, Mizzi & Cover Lisalotte
Dominic Adam Griffin as Handsom Climber, Ensemble & Cover Johan
Jordan Isaac as Cover Mr. Bernau/Franz/Handsome Climber, Ensemble & Dance Captain
Paige Fenlon as Cover Miss Gerlach & Ensemble
Hannah Cauchi as Cover Miss Ulrike/ Mizzi & Ensemble
Rutendo Mushonga as Ensemble
Rico Bakker as Ensemble
The Children Cast:
Parrine Long as Trude & Anni
Kirsten Muzvuru as Brigitta & Hansel
Helena Middleton as Steffi
Daisy Jeffcoate as Gerda, Elsa & Gretel
Winter Jarrett Glasspool as Brigitta & Hansel
Poppy Pawson as Gerda, Elsa & Gretel
Isabelle Larrey as Trude
Saffie Layla as Steffi & Anni
The Nottingham Children Ensemble:
Lara Aznar
Phoebe Buckley
Holly Clarke
Skye Cooke
Freya Corbett
Ivy Deakin
Skye Grimsey
Ellie Hancock
Olivia Hibberts
Olive Jefford
Delinda Lee
Celene Maddy
Grace Maddy
Eloise Money
Olivia Moore
Olivia Grace Nkala
Sienna Parkin
Sahasra Peddi
Daisy Perry
Tamarii Peter
Ava Pownall
Shanaya Singh
June Scott
Esmie Smith-Cockayne
Adreanna Steventon-Todd
Amelie Walmsley
Olivia Waterfall
Sephora Wenazo
The Creatives and Crew:
Erich Kästner – Book Writer
Stuart Paterson – Book
George Stiles – Music
Anthony Drewe – Lyrics
Director- Trevor Nunn
Matt Cole – Choreographer
Robert Jones – Set Designer
Jonathan Lipman – Costume Designer
Douglas O’Connell – Video Designer
Johanna Town – Lighting Designer
Paul Gatehouse – Sound Designer
Caroline Humphris – Musiccal Supervisor
Tom Curran – Orchestrator
Anne Vosser – Casting Director
Jo Hawes – Children’s Casting Director & Administrator
Richard Mawbey – Wig and Hair Designer
Digby Robinson – Production Manager
Martha Geelan – Associate Director (With the Children)
Jane McMurtrie – Associate Choreographer
Charlie Smith – Associate Sound Designer
Madeleine Edis – Assistant Costume Designer / Costume Supervisor
David Gallagher – Orchestral Manager
Tamara Saringer – Musical Director
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