Angela's Ashes - The Musical, Fairfield Halls - ★★★★★ - Until October 5, 2019


Irish history is often a history of degradation and suffering, but that pain is not only expressed but frequently transformed through the use of music and language. Indeed, Ireland is renowned for the poignancy and prowess of its artistic expression. Frank McCourt's personal journey mirrors the story of his country. It is a dark, unremitting saga that he transcribed into his classic biographical and cathartic work. The musical, Angela's Ashes, strives to take this bleak childhood reality to another level through the agency of music, and this is a powerful and professional production. The heartbreaking story has some rueful humour, but it is the strength of the cast and the haunting nature of the music that win through and bring a redemptive power to this sad tale. Paul Hurt's script captures the spirit of an event full book and successfully brings it to the theatre, while Adam's Howell's music and lyrics are the backbone of this stage version. All of the cast are strong, Eoin Cannon stands out, engaging as the young Frank and holding onto the audience when he acts as the narrator of the piece. Jacinta Whyte is simply brilliant as Angela. Her voice soars and her performance is irreproachable. This is a great, inaugural production for the Ashcroft Playhouse, and like Frank McCourt himself, this is a musical that is going to succeed!

 Reviewed by J.C.

  Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until October 5, 2019
Tue - Sat: 7:45 pm, Wed: 2:45 & Sat: 2:30 pm
Ashcroft Playhouse, Fairfield Halls
Nearest station: East Croydon
https://www.fairfield.co.uk/whats-on/angelas-ashes-the-musical/
Map & Location: Park Ln, London CR9 1DG, UK

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