Lizzie the Musical – Review

Lizzie the Musical: Southwark Playhouse Elephant, London

27th October 2023

★★★★

Lizzie the Musical is a perfect show for fans of true-crime, horror and musicals. It explores the life of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the late summer of 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts. The story is told by Lizzie herself, along with her older sister Emma, maid Bridget, and neighbour Alice, and supported on stage by an all-female band. Exploring Lizzie’s possible motivations for the crime, the show aims to delve into her complex psyche and bring the infamous story to life. Having premiered in New York in 2009 and London in 2017, this production marks its first UK Tour.

Full of emotion, Lizzie the Musical manages to tell a convincing tale as to why Lizzie Borden may have killed her parents (don’t forget she was found not guilty). Lauren Drew completely owns the stage throughout. Vocally she is particularly strong, as always, but it is the emotion she gives to the performance which make it stand out. From being vulnerable and emotional at the start to cunning and ruthless at the end Drew is able to take the character on a real journey. Mairi Barclay is certainly a favourite with the audience. Her witty humour adds a lighter touch to the proceedings and helps to narrate the story being the only character who breaks the forth wall and speaks directly to the audience. Maiya Quansah-Breed’s vocals are stunning as Lizzie’s best friend and love interest Alice and her characterisation of Alice is subtle and endearing. Shekinah McFarlane is vocally powerful as Lizzie’s sister Emma with her song ‘What the Fuck Now, Lizzie‘ being a real crowd pleaser. The harmonies and blend of vocals between the cast are excellent although there are times when the lyrics are hard to decipher.

The simple set of a barn inhabited by dozens of pigeons, by Andrew Exeter, works well with some clever additions such as the hauntingly eery music box with spinning axe and the use of vivid video projections, by Dan Light, bringing the set to life. The use of strobe lighting, spots and colours all add to the atmosphere of this story. The costumes are cleverly designed by Rachel Tansey to start off quite formal and restrictive, as you’d expect of 1892, and slowly become more freeing and show who the girls really are. The final outfits being that of fishnets and short, skimpy clothes with steam punk boots really show that Lizzie’s story is still relevant even in today’s society.

Direction by William Whelton is strong. The audience is straight away shown Lizzie’s more delicate, emotional side and by the second act you are routing for her. The relationships between the characters is also played out well onstage, particularly between Lizzie and Alice (Drew and Quansah-Breed). The use of the stage is good with all areas of the auditorium being played to. Whilst the choreography at times feels unnecessary it doesn’t detract from the production. There are a few unusual stylistic choices in the production. For example the decision to use handheld microphones – whilst this plays into the punk rock element of the show it doesn’t seem to add anything to the songs or emotion so at times it feels a little gimmicky.

The music, by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer, Tim Maner and Alan Stevens Hewitt, is definitely catchy and there are some tunes which audience members will be humming as they leave the auditorium. There is a good mix of music styles through the show and the emotion displayed throughout, as well as the incredible vocals, is excellent. Overall, Lizzie the Musical is unlike any other show currently playing. Whilst it has similarities with some other female empowering shows such as Six, it stands out on its own. With Halloween just round the corner this is a great show to catch while you can!

Lizzie runs at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant until the 2nd December 2023. For information and tickets click here.

Photo credit: Pamela Raith