Hey you, don’t watch that, watch this. 
This is the heavy, heavy monster sound. 
The nuttiest sound around. 
So if you’ve come in off the street, 
and you’re beginning to feel the heat 
Well, listen buster, you better start to move your feet 
to the rockin’est, rock-steady beat of Madness.

It’s back to the 80s, a time I grew up in, and I never need an excuse to listen to the music of Madness. Our House is a jukebox musical utilising the hits and more from the boys from Camden Town, all from their heyday. Through this music, book writer Tim Firth explores the themes of love, family, responsibility, and consequences.

This production was courtesy of St Alphege Musical Production Society (STAMPS) who are the second in recent times that I have seen who fell victim to the unfortunate closure of the Core Theatre in Solihull during 2023. Therefore, this show has been two years in the making, a situation many of us will know from Covid. And I cannot stress enough, it’s hard to pick up and continue when you have lost that initial flow. Thankfully, the results here were good in the wonderful story of Our House.

Teenager, Joe Casey breaks into a building where afterwards he has the decision to either give himself up or run. The story then splits into two scenarios, reminiscent of the film, Sliding Doors. The ghost of Joe’s criminal dad reveals the two paths where neither runs smooth. It is an enthralling journey, but each event is supported by the inclusion of top, easily recognisable tunes.

In the lead role of Joe Casey was Dylan Norris who commanded the part well. No mean feat, considering Joe’s life branches out in two ways and what we see is the characterisation of two totally different people. Playing Joe’s on-off love, Sarah was Melanie Bateman who really stood out. Excellent, particularly during NW5 and duetting with Dylan Norris in It Must Be Love.

Supporting well with often comic relief were the four friends who were Devlin Young (Emmo), Robert Bateman (Lewis), Katie Elliot (Billie) and Emily Holton (Angie). The latter three of these also combined on the choreography for which the results were excellent. Playing Joe’s mum was Sharon Tozer while Steven Young portrayed the ghostly conscience of his dad, appearing in linking scenes throughout. Then, the two bad guys, Reecey (Carl Hemming) and Mr Pressman (Paul Wozniak) were as menacing as meant to be due to the fine delivery of the actors. Out of the 14 remaining in the ensemble, I really enjoyed Emily Banks’ cameo as Mr Pressman’s receptionist, also showing two different personas for the parallel story arcs.

But you can’t have a production like Our House without that ensemble and some of the more memorable moments were the full chorus numbers, particularly during Act One in Baggy Trousers, Embarrassment and Tomorrow’s Just Another Day/Sun and the Rain. Into Act Two and on a personal note, this is where the show really takes hold and keeps you captivated, because I could not take my eyes off the stage. Best for me was The Sun and the Rain with more than a hint of Oliver’s, Who Will Buy?

We were treated at the end to a rousing finale of Primrose Hill/Our House and the audience went home happy, many around me overheard saying how great the show had been. I enjoyed it, particularly the second half. The only downside for me was the sound, more so at the start. Mics were not activated soon enough and not at all at times. Plus, the band deserved a better balance as their excellent results came across too quiet. Still, this did not lessen the enjoyment for me by the end of the evening.

Directing Our House was the already mentioned Robert Bateman, combining production duties with a leading role. I can empathise, having been in that position myself. He can be well proud of his cast and crew, as can Phil Ypres-Smith who led and was part of the 7-piece band. The band themselves were on stage throughout on gantries at each side, a method I have always enjoyed in both professional and amateur productions. And about that term, amateur, I always find there is nothing of the sort. These are professional performances by people who pay and turn up for the pleasure. And that pleasure and commitment always gives impressive results as seen at the Crescent Theatre during Our House.

Our House continues at the theatre for the rest of the week, and you can get tickets HERE. 

Cheers.

Antony N Britt