Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tickets and more information: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/show/bring-it-on/
Running until: 1st September 2018
Production Photos by: Eliza Wilmot

The second show in the British Theatre Academy’s summer season at the Southwark Playhouse, playing in tandem with Goodnight Mister Tom is the London premiere of Tom Kitt, Amanda Green, Jeff Whitty & Lin-Manuel Miranda’s vibrant and pop filled musical Bring It On. Based on the hit film, which starred Kirsten Dunst, the show is about the competitive world of American high school cheerleading. When Campbell is given the role of captain of the cheerleading squad, she’s suddenly forced to move to another high school where she hopes to bring her team spirit and get her (and the team’s) hands on the National Championships trophy.

With the show being a youth production, it’s quite refreshing to see a group of young adults being played by actual young adults. The entire cast were great to watch,they all moved together in one big ensemble like a machine. But a few members of the cast have their stand out moments. Robyn McIntyre was great to watch as Campbell and really brought Campbell’s journey from to life with a pair of pipes to match. I also liked Isabella Pappas scene stealing performance as Skylar who was hilarious and showed the more mischievous side to the Truman High squad, especially next to the more compassionate Campbell. I must also praise Kristine Kruse’s performance as Bridget. Not only does she have an brilliant voice and moves, which she gets to show in the number It Ain’t No Thing, but she also had some really great lines that had me laughing in my seat. As did Chisara Agor who played Danielle really brilliantly and has an incredible voice, evident in the number We’re Not Done.

Ewan Jones’ electrifying choreography lights up the stage along with lighting design by Ben Jacobs, particularly in the opening number What I Was Born To Do and the cheerleading routines towards the end of the show. Although, the show is playing in The Large space at the Southwark Playhouse, it’s still quite minimal, which could make the stage look cramped, particularly with a big ensemble like this but manages to portray two high schools, two houses and a cheerleading platform effortlessly.

I did have some minor problems with the plot. Because the show moves very quickly, some moments in the show are underdeveloped like the fallout between Danielle and Campbell as well as the relationship between Randall and Campbell. However, this didn’t affect my overall enjoyment of the show. Not only is it a joyous and fun musical filled to the brim with energy, I also found it really uplifting and thoroughly entertaining to watch. The future of musical theatre is in very safe hands if we continue supporting companies and talent like the cast of Bring It On.

Until next time,