★
“It was me.”
Stated as a Musical, it was an odd choice to begin with a ten-minute monologue. Throughout the duration of said musical, there are very few songs. The prominent use of electric guitar and drums brings promise to the music and while I cannot fault the musical talents of the cast, especially the actress playing Mary, but sadly the script is lacking.
The entire plot is conflicting and although I appreciate the attempted twist at the end, due to the components developed from the beginning of the production, the twist is non-sensical and does not give the desired effect.
Hearing Ripper use phrases such as ‘mate’ and ‘innit’ is jarring and takes away from the historic elements Reconnect Regal Theatre brings to their set and costume.
Nuances are missed within pertinent scenes which would have developed characters significantly and allowed for the creation of a bond from character to audience.
It’s very hard to see a love interest between the two protagonists due to this, and it doesn’t help that the narrative revolves around their love story.
Mary’s character development is stunted and restricts the character. She talks of potential love and acceptance from the policeman but as it’s given to her, she rejects it as though she’s never wanted it in the first place. Her sex scene with Jack the Ripper is difficult to watch – especially as you find out the company try to insinuate Ripper and the Policeman are the same man. When you look back at the ‘musical’ with that in mind, you find more holes in the plot than you do clever twists and turns.
The music has potential and the choice of instruments brings drama to the Victorian slayer Jack the Ripper. More work should be directed towards the script before the show is performed to an audience.
Review by Jade Flack
