Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: The Other Palace, London
Cast: Georgia Grant-Anderson, Elena Breschi, Meg Hateley, Charlotte Jaconelli, Anelisa Lamola and Aaliyah Monk
The award-winning musical from the producer of SIX and the No.1 songwriters behind Girls Aloud and Miley Cyrus returns to London, for 7 weeks only, in this empowering ‘pop-fuelled, upbeat’ (The Times) hit, starring some of herstory’s greatest icons.
From explorers to artists, scientists to secret agents, the stories of women who shaped our world are raised up with feelgood music and choreography that packs a pop-star punch – prepare to move and be moved!
Fantastically Great Women has been a favourite of mine since seeing it for the first time just over two years ago on its UK tour. The show is based on the book of the same name by Kate Pankhurst, which was released in 2016. An 80 minute pop-musical about inspirational women throughout the years? Count me in.
The story follows our main protagonist Jade, who's on a school trip to a museum. After finding herself lost and alone, she stumbles across the Gallery of Greatness, a new exhibit that's not yet open to the public. The Gallery of Greatness is a celebration of some of the most inspirational women from history, and Jade feels like she'll never change the world like the women before her.
It's at this moment she's transported into the Gallery of Greatness and starts her journey into finding her place in the world. Along the way, she meets iconic women you're probably already familiar with such as Rosa Parks, Marie Curie and Emmeline Pankhurst. However, we're also introduced to some women's stories which aren't as well known - but just as impactful. From Mary Anning, to Gertrude Ederle, to Mary Seacole - the show is bursting at the seams with fantastically great women who changed the world.
While the cast may be small, it's incredibly mighty. With each adult actor taking on multiple roles it could easily become confusing, but the cast switch between characters with ease and each get their time to highlight how each and every one of the women included is incredible. Meg Hateley's portrayal of Emmeline Pankhurst during "Deeds Not Words" is still one of the most empowering pieces of theatre I've ever seen. And Anelisa Lamola's performance of "Rosa's Lullaby" alongside Jade and Anne Frank is heart-shatteringly beautiful. The song is a strikingly calm moment among the lively chaos of the show and captures Rosa Parks' "quietly strong" nature. And if there are any teachers reading this, if you're looking for your song of the summer, "Quiet Children" is the song for you!
While every single cast member is undoubtedly brilliant, the star of the show (and rightly so) is Georgia Grant-Anderson. Grant-Anderson plays Jade and barely leaves the stage and is the heart of every scene. Her journey into realising her importance is the true joy of the show and leaves me feeling choked up every time. Each song is packed with meaningful messages and motivational stories of women who deserve to be celebrated - including our Jade.
The set design from Joanna Scotcher is relatively simple, but the use of colours and props is done in such a way that the set feels grander than it really is. Imagination is a huge part of this show and the set allows your mind to run wild. The costumes, also by Scotcher, are bold and brilliant; capturing the essence of each woman perfectly. The lighting by Zoe Spurr is also worth mentioning as it reflects each mood and scene with ease.
It's also worth mentioning the addition of BSL to the production. While there's only minimal signing involved throughout, it feels like such a step forward for inclusion in the arts; particularly in a London show. And it made this girl's disabled heart very happy.
From young children to an older adult, this production is for everyone. But most importantly, for women. A production to celebrate how far we've come thanks to these women - but also how far we still have to go. However, you leave the show feeling like you have the power to change the world; no matter how big or small your mark may be. A production that's full of colour, vibrancy and a reminder that you're "not fragile like a flower, (but) fragile like a bomb".
You can book tickets to Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, here.
**photo credit: Ellie Kurttz**
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