American Idiot (Obsidian Theatrical Productions)

Always exponents of creative, niche musical theatre, Obsidian Theatrical Productions have surpassed themselves again with another hard hitting production, this time Green Day's, American Idiot. I'll be honest I wouldn't generally be a fan of this sort of loud, opinionated style but, Billy Jo Armstong's insightful lyrics and the blend of rock and ballad tunes, makes this a strangely appealing piece of theatre.

It's very much a story about life and how the choices you make can take you in a direction, sometimes positive, sometimes negative and occasionally an eclectic mix of both. I would suggest there are lessons to be learnt from watching this production, its educational and the story is impeccably well told by a talented cast.

Three friends Johnny, Will and Tunny are full of annoyed angst against the world but, much as they would all like to disappear on an alcohol and drug infused holiday, only Johnny played with every emotion possible (and as a last minute character change) by the insanely talented Robert Bateman, manages to achieve that ambition.

Will (a belligerent and musically excellent performance from Ben Fitzpatrick) is saddled with (and that is probably how he sees it) a girlfriend and a baby, Heather (another stunningly characterful performance from Darcy Humphries) and is left behind regretting his life decisions.

Tunny, let's just pause here and allow Dylan Norris the opportunity to bask in the glory of taking the role on with one week to performance and nailing it ! His choice takes him into the army and the ever impending chance of 'going to war', it'll make a man of him of course, won't it (at least that is what Favourite Boy (a glorious vocal and character from Chris Westwood) would have you believe, only time will tell.

Johnny of course left to his own devices is targeted by drug dealer and devil on his shoulder St Jimmy, a splendidly controlling performance from Richard Bateman, balanced (to an extent) by the love interest appearing on the scene in the form of 'Whatsername' an exquisitely intense all-round performance from Bethany Waller-Scott, it is of course up for debate whether she is the angel on Johnny's other shoulder or a devil in disguise.

Tunny has now been sent to war only to suffer serious injury, his recovery fortunately brings him into contact with his own love interest 'Extraordinary Girl', an equally extraordinary performance from Emily Banks. Will meanwhile fails to live-up to his responsibilities as a partner and a father which leads to him losing Heather to her 'Rock n Roll Boyfriend' (another storming cameo vocal from Harry Clapham).

This is an ensemble piece so the supporting cast, Kieran Scott, Melanie Bott, Rhianne Brough, James Skinner, Miya Mitchell and Georgia Harley are intrinsically important in making this production an unmissable piece as is some incredibly incisive choreography from Robert Bateman, Bethany Waller Scott and Emily Banks.

Robert Bateman (not content with performance and choreography !) directs this one as well, alongside Phil Ypres-Smith (with some supremely talented musicians in his band) as Musical Director.

Yes, there is unsurprisingly some profane language and the themes (particularly around substance abuse) are at times a tough watch but, it's all performed with skill and you'll regret it if you miss it.

Oh and unless you have been 'hiding under a rock' metaphorically and musically speaking, you will recognise a lot of the songs, 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams', 'Holiday', '21 Guns' and 'Wake Me Up When September Ends' to name but a few so what are you waiting for, book your ticket now before you are needing novocaine to numb the pain of the missed opportunity !

Book Here