The Toxic Avenger (Old Joint Stock Musical Theatre Company)

If anybody thought it was possible to find a subject that a musical can't be written about they probably thought that a 'toxic mutant superhero' was a safe bet but, that was until Joe DiPietro and David Bryan came along with The Toxic Avenger which could very well achieve 'cult' status along with the likes of Rocky Horror and Little Shop of Horrors if it continues to be a choice for regular productions.

Old Joint Stock Musical Theatre Company in their intimate performance space seem to be able to conjure up something special with anything they take on and much credit must go to Adam Carver's inventive direction and some ingeniously controlled choreography from Sarah Haines.

Richard Haines proves what an exceptional performer he is with the dual role of geeky Melvin Ferd (the Third) and superhero 'The Toxic Avenger' spending much of the performance in a grotesque mask which must make movement a challenge (not that any such obstacle is noticeable). Not content with the role of choreographer, Sarah Haines takes on the even more demanding role of love interest, Sarah the Blind Library Assistant (as a sighted person trying to move like a blind person is notoriously difficult, yet Sarah makes this seem almost easy).

Lizzie Robins as both the outrageous Mayor Babs Belgoody and Ma Ferd provides a triumph of characterisation along with a powerful vocal and the supporting cast of Alanna Boden, Elle Knowles, Joash Musundi and Gavin Whichello portray numerous roles, slipping effortlessly from one to another and delivering some highly entertaining scene changes in order to move the action along from location to location.

When there is such a small space in which to act, there is even greater requirement for mood to be set by both the music and the lighting/sound and Ian Stephenson as Musical Director alongside Paul & Hannah Finch as the Tech Team, add an array of appropriate dispositions to every scene.

If you haven't experienced the Old Joint Stock Theatre, you really should as it's something a bit different to most venues, so go and enjoy 'A Brand New Day In New Jersey' before The Toxic Avenger finishes on 16th February 2019.

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