Review of Teddy

Although the Vault has to be the smallest theatre I have ever been to, this is in direct contrast to the large,vibrant show that is Teddy.

Set in 1956 it begins with the story of teenagers Josie and Teddy played by the brilliant Molly Chesworth and George Parker as they are getting ready for their Saturday night out with their friends.  We follow them as they meet and try to work out how they are going to be able to afford tickets to see their musical hero Johnny Valentine (Dylan Wood).

The cast is as tiny as the theatre.   Molly and George are the only actors on stage telling their story in an almost Shakespearian way, with a rhyming, poetic language that doesn't hold back.  Through the eyes of Josie and Teddy we see the people they meet, both friend and foe, and there is a strength and depth to both their performances.

Alongside their story is the music.  Johnny Valentine and the Broken Hearts play hits from the fifties alongside new music for the show.  The band members (Andrew Gallon, Freya Parks and Harrison White) are all talented musicians and the music brings the fifties to life.  

Without any spoilers I loved the ending, but I didn't have a chance to think too much as the band were playing again, but just as a final gig for the audience.   Everyone was invited onto the stage to dance, and one of the audience members even managed to get to the mike to sing!  

A great show, done a little bit differently, with a really good cast.  I would definitely recommend seeing Teddy.