FANGIRLS – Review

FANGIRLS: Lyric Hammersmith, London

27th July 2024

★★★

Since premiering in 2019, FANGIRLS has scored five star reviews, multiple awards, and played to standing-room-only crowds across Australia and now it is making its UK debut at the Lyric Hammersmith this summer and is one not to be missed! The show revolves around Edna, a 14 year old misfit who is in love with Harry. The problem is that Harry is in the world’s biggest boy band. So when the band decide to make a tour stop at Edna’s hometown of Sydney, she knows this is her chance. But how far exactly is she prepared to go? This brand new production of the multi-award winning, pop musical phenomenon FANGIRLS is set to take the UK by storm.

Jasmine Elcock is superb as the show’s lead, Edna. She manages to make the character both over the top and yet relatable at the same time. Vocally, she is very strong and can go from soft to full on belt effortlessly. Mary Malone is hilarious as Jules, Edna’s whiny-diva best friend. Coupled with the Australian twang, her witty lines almost always hit the mark and have the audience in fits of laughter with her OTT acting. All of the cast bring a huge amount of energy and fun to the show and are able to transform to various characters quickly. The ensemble numbers are well performed with Ebony William’s choreography being fresh and upbeat. Gracie McGonigal excels and she proves once again that her riffs are worth watching the show for alone. A special mention must also go to Terique Jarrett whose performance is fantastic.

David Fleischer’s three-level video screen set is clever, allowing the audience to feel like they really are at a stadium tour – particularly during the opening to the second act when some of the cast also are in the stalls doing improv and getting the audience involved. The video design, by Ash J Woodward, provides a backdrop for much of the show and then utilises direct close up videos in the style of Bat Out Of Hell and the recent Sunset Boulevard. It feels very in keeping with this modern musical. The costumes are what you would expect to see and mostly fit the characters personalities well, although the wigs are a bit obvious and could be of better quality. The lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun is bright and colourful – in fitting with the show itself.

The plot line is both expected but also absurd at the same time. FANGIRLS doesn’t take itself too seriously but does have a few hidden messages interwoven. Think Glee meets Heathers, Be More Chill and Bring It On. The show is high energy and very funny, but at times the the pacing could be improved. Unfortunately, there are a few times when the scenes/songs could be more impactful, for example during the song ‘Disgusting‘ but the throw away jokes or one-liners lower the tone slightly and lessen the impact. Similarly some of the more poignant messages that the show mentions such as self-harm and parental divorce are almost brushed aside in favour of a quick laugh. But the show doesn’t try to be something it is not and plays to its strengths. At its heart it is a comedy piece with some catchy songs, clever jokes and is about having fun. FANGIRLS is quirky, bright, if a bit silly but is also fun-filled and bursting with young talent.

FANGIRLS is at London’s Lyric Hammersmith until the 24th August 2024. For more information and tickets click here.

Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan