A Bloody Good Time: Lizzie arrives at Southwark Playhouse Elephant

The Six-ification of musicals has hit the theatre landscape hard, with many new productions trying to capture the same magic and popularity, and Lizzie is no different. The telling of a historical story with modern-type music, an all-female cast and a megamix at the end, and the audience love it.

Lizzie is based on the story of Lizzie Borden, a girl who was accused of killing her father and step-mother with an axe. It is told mainly though song, with a pop-rock score and some ballads. The music is very much where the show stands out. The songs are immediately catchy and easily get stuck in your head. This combined with the killer vocals of the cast and the loud, booming sound of the band make the music cut through your soul. If a soundtrack does not come out soon, I may have to go on a killing spree myself! My only issue with the music is that the lyrics were rather simple and repetitive at times, but I believe that that is more based on the genre rather than the skill of the lyricist.

Lauren Drew shines in the production as Lizzie, she is utterly captivating as she captures both the innocence and maniacal sides of the character as well as singing the house down for almost the whole show, shaking the walls with the power of her belt. The portion of the show where she performs ‘This is Not Love’ and ‘Gotta Get Outta Here’ is tiring just to watch as her character unhinges and breaks apart her heart for the audience to see. It is one of the best sequences of the show.

Maiya Quansah-Breed performs as Alice, a close-friend of Lizzie. Once again, she delivers on the vocals, especially when singing with Drew. Their voices work together so well, as does everyone in the show, the harmonies are always on point and you can feel them vibrate through your body, sending chills down your spine. A standout moment has to be her first solo moment, ‘If You Knew’ which is yet another beautiful number that needs to be heard again and again.

Shekinah McFarlane delivers vocal power as Emma, Lizzie’s sister. How someone can have that much power in their voice for a 80-minute show, I have no idea, but she is one to watch. As for her character, the writing felt underdeveloped, and I feel like she should have appeared more in the first act to truly show the sister bond that is so present and important in the second act.

Lauren Drew, photo taken by Pamela Raith

My opinion is that we don’t know how much she does or doesn’t like her father besides the issue of the will. It would help if we invested in her character more before she leaves and comes back as it felt like she just was pushed out the way. Either way, for what she did, McFarlane made sure to be remembered.

Mairi Barclay played Bridget, our main piece of comic relief as the Borden’s maid. Another vocal powerhouse, she drove a lot of the songs whether it was with her main or more importantly her backing vocals. She is incredible at adding to songs and her voice blends so beautifully with everyone. However, her character was another that I found issue with. At points, it was unclear if she was helping Lizzie or was against what she was doing – which was kind of a running theme for most of the characters at some point in the show. The writing also had some tonal issues, not knowing whether a moment should be serious or funny.

However, my overall take is that if you want a bloody good night out, filled with killer vocals and great performances, go treat yourself to a bit of Lizzie.

Lizzie is at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until 2nd December 2023.

You can book tickets and find out more at: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/lizzie