Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Streamed online before release
Cast: Sophia Lewis, Lydia Shaw, Lizzie Wofford, Gracie Lai, Edward Court, Norma Atallah, James Hume, Debbie McGee, Nicholas McLean, Matt Slack, Sarah Barron, James Stirling and Thomas Hewitt
A new musical about female empowerment. Created to make musical theatre and stories of female equality accessible to all.
Fallon is a bird who longs to fly free, but on the mythical island of Rakka, the female birds aren’t allowed to fly. Having just laid their eggs, Fallon and her friends set out to make the island a fairer place for their new chicks. But it’s a race against time - can Fallon bring down the infamous Lord Zandajay and change the rules before the eggs have hatched?
HATCHED! is a new musical with a book and lyrics by Lydia Shaw and music by Edward Court. What makes this musical so unique is that it's presented in podcast form. The entire production is in audio form, and when listened to with headphones it's incredibly easy to immerse yourself into. I personally think an audio musical is such an interesting concept and is an innovative new genre that helps make theatre accessible to a much wider audience. With ticket prices soaring in recent years, this is a great way to ensure that West End quality theatre is available to all.
HATCHED! is a family-friendly show that is recommended for those aged 7+. The story is set on the mythical island of Rakka and over 9 episodes, we're taken on a magical journey that follows Fallon and her quest for freedom. The entire production is a metaphor on the societal stereotypes that are thrust upon both women and men (women should become mothers and men should go to work etc.). It's presented in a way that's palatable for a younger audience but also highlights the importance of gender equality and fighting for what you think is right. It almost feels reminiscent of a family-friendly version of The Handmaid's Tale - all from the point of view of a talking bird.
I listened to all nine episodes in one sitting, which I'm not sure is the intended way of listening. At around twenty minutes each episode, the production is broken down into manageable segments for a younger audience. Each episodes ended in a mini cliff-hanger and at such a place that you can easily dip in and out after each episode. It would work wonderfully as an audio bedtime story where you share an episode with your child(ren) every night.
There are a few standout numbers from the piece and I only wish it was easier to listen to my favourite songs within each episode. The musical opens with "Once a Year", which is catchy and draws you in immediately. "Change" in episode five marks the turning point of the musical and is so empowering, impactful and reminiscent of the suffragettes movement. "Pink", sung by Gracie Lai, is very similar to "What Else Can I Do?" from Disney's Encanto and is so much fun.
However, "Fight For Flight" has to be the highlight of the production. With lyrics such as, "invisible, like I haven't got a choice, invisible, like I haven't got a voice", it captures the power of freedom of speech in such a stark way. "The Cage" is a song worthy of a Disney villain and is wickedly brilliant.
Sophia Lewis is our narrator and she has the most soothing voice which really heightens the entire experience if you listen through headphones. Lydia Shaw's vocals shine brightest in "Free as a Bird" and she makes for an incredibly likeable leading...bird?
It's predictable and cheesy, but in the very best way. In terms of female empowerment, it has similar vibes to Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, which is another of my favourites. While it does take a while to warm up and get used to the pacing, once you do, it's quite exceptional. HATCHED! tackles so many important topics (gender equality, women's rights, LGBTQIA+) in a way that feels natural and embraces inclusivity for all with open arms. A fun accessible way to help the next generation fall in love with theatre.
You can find out more about HATCHED! A New Audio Musical, here.
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