Created by Charlotte Mann, Michael Fidler, and Robin Forrest, with additional music by Jonathan Croose and Robin Forrest

 

NODA Review by Matthew Bryant

 

Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens was first performed as a one act, late night musical at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1995. It was then developed for a transfer to London’s West End in 1998. It is set in Saucy Jack’s nightclub in space and features larger-than-life characters and funky disco musical numbers. This was my first visit to Concept Players and the first time ever seeing this musical.

The basic but well-constructed set transported the audience into Saucy Jacks’s nightclub and a pre-show ‘cabaret’ allowed some of the main characters to interact with audience members which was a nice touch. Richard Thomas gave a fantastic performance as the title character, Saucy Jack. He had incredible energy on stage and a really strong character with excellent vocals to match in the musical numbers. His interaction with audience and cast members alike was spot on. Very well done.

Carly Griffin was superb as Jubilee Climax/Vulva Savannah. She had excellent presence on stage and beautiful but powerful when required vocals in the musical numbers. A perfect foil for Saucy Jack!

Mikey Porter gave a good performance as Booby Shevalle and displayed excellent vocals in the finale number.

The Space Vixens, Bunny Lingus and Anna Labia were played by Catherine Jones and Zoe Philpott respectively. Both gave impressive performances in their roles, displaying energetic characters and fantastic vocals. They worked well together and in their on-stage romantic relationships. Performances to be proud of.

Sammy Sax was played by James Perons. James gave a strong performance as the shy saxophone player. He had great energy and build a good connection with Zoe Philpott, whose character had taken a liking to him.

Rhiannon Rose-Goodsir was a powerhouse as Chesty Prospects/Shirley Tristar. Her accent never faltered and her singing was superb. She worked well with Catherine Jones and their voices and harmonies blended beautifully in ‘Park My Bike’.

Ellie Morgan and Alannah-Jade Thomas were Fembot 1.6 and 2.0. These were tricky roles as they were playing robots however they did their jobs very well. There was no drop in character and they gave strong vocal performances in the musical numbers.

The show was very funny and relied heavily on the characters working well together in the partnerships to deliver the comedy that had been written. This was demonstrated perfectly by Ben Mussell and Joshua Neal as Dr Willhelm Von Whackoff and Mitch Maypole. From the moment they were on stage until the very last, the pair had brilliant energy and comic timing with strong vocals and storytelling. When I started in this role I never thought I’d see a striptease number involving a lederhosen and gold hotpants but this pair delivered that to rapturous applause from the audience. Well done both!

Director and Choreographer Shane Rose-Goodsir was also on stage as The Holo Host. He performed well and should be congratulated on his work with the cast to produce high energy dance numbers that were performed well. The vocal performances of individuals and the whole ensemble were excellent throughout the piece with well-rehearsed harmonies shining through. This was a real strength. On occasion, the backing track volume and the sound quality made some of the musical numbers difficult to hear. Overall, this was a great production.

The audience were involved and interested throughout the piece and everyone was on their feet dancing at the end. Thank you, Concept Players, for an evening full of laughs and disco. I didn’t know what to expect when I received my invitation but I really enjoyed the show and I went home singing ‘Glitter Boots Saved My Life!’ I look forward to visiting again in the future.  

 

Originally published September 2024