“silly and doesn’t take itself too seriously, but that’s what makes it so great”
Get ready to be transported to a world of 80s nostalgia, sci-fi and superheroes with Eugenius! The Other Palace celebrates its first birthday with the arrival of Eugene, a typical geek with a passion for comic books and writing and drawing his own. With the support of two of his close friends, it’s not long before his work sparks the interest of big shot producer, Lex, and Eugene is invited to Hollywood so his work can come to life. The teen’s real and fantasy worlds are about to collide and drama is about to unfold …
There’s an array of talent on stage. Liam Forde plays Eugene very well; from his physicality to his voice, he is the perfect geek and you can’t help but root for him throughout the show. Laura Baldwin proves to be a true show-stealer as Eugene’s best friend, Janey. She attacks the role with enthusiasm and her strong vocals are amongst the show’s highlights. However, she also balances out this gusto with a good level of warmth and softer moments. A special mention should also go to Ian Hughes as Evil Lord Hector, even if just for his hilarious facial expressions and physicality. It’s impossible not to laugh, in the best way, when he’s on stage!
Director Ian Talbot has got the ensemble to use the relatively small space well and they perform dance routines and songs with consistently high levels of energy, passion and great characterisation. The majority of the costumes (Hannah Wolfe) are bright, bold and complement the show very well.
Original songs, by the show’s creators Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins, are catchy and pack a real 80s-inspired punch. Personal highlights include “Who’s That Guy?”, Janey’s solo “The Future’s Bright” and, of course, the show’s main theme “Go Eugenius!”.
Eugenius! is silly and doesn’t take itself too seriously, but that’s what makes it so great. Amongst the bright colours, lights and memorable songs are themes including friendship and following your dreams, no matter what. If you’re after some escapism and a good old pick-me-up, you should see this feel-good, ‘eunique’ musical!
Producers Jeffrey Seller and Cameron Mackintosh are delighted to announce that Jamael Westman (Alexander Hamilton) and Michael Jibson (King George) will join the previously announced West End cast for HAMILTON which will re-open the Victoria Palace Theatre later this year following an extensive multi-million-pound renovation and expansion to the listed building.
Westman and Jibson join the previously announced Christine Allado (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds), Rachelle Ann Go (Eliza Hamilton), Tarinn Callender (Hercules Mulligan/James Madison), Rachel John (Angelica Schuyler), Jason Pennycooke (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson), Cleve September (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton), Giles Terera (Aaron Burr) and Obioma Ugoala (George Washington). At certain performances, the role of Alexander Hamilton will be played by Ash Hunter.
They are joined by Jade Albertsen, Curtis Angus, Jonathan Bishop, Courtney-Mae Briggs, Jack Butterworth, Jon-Scott Clark, Kelly Downing, Leslie Garcia Bowman, Lia Given, Greg Haney, Leah Hill, Barney Hudson, Waylon Jacobs, Miriam-Teak Lee, Phoebe Liberty, Alexzandra Sarmiento, Marsha Songcome, Christopher Tendai and Lindsey Tierney.
Final casting will be announced at a later date.
Jamael Westman recently completed a run at Shakespeare’s Globe in The White Devil. Having graduated from RADA in 2016, he appeared in Richard Twyman’s production of Torn at the Royal Court Theatre. Hamilton marks Westman’s West End debut.
Michael Jibson’s previous theatre credits include Roots for the Donmar Warehouse, Road Show and Take Flight for the Menier Chocolate Factory, Puck in A Midsummer Nights’ Dream as well as Timon of Athens for Shakespeare’s Globe, Canterbury Tales for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Brighton Rock for the Almeida Theatre, Our House at the Cambridge Theatre for which he was nominated for an Olivier award and Oliver! at the London Palladium. His television credits include Saints and Strangers, Hatfields & McCoys, DCI Banks Burton and Taylor, Thirteenth Tale, and The Alienist. On film his credits include Hunter Killer, The Bank Job Beauty and the Beast, The Lighthouse, Les Misérables, The Fifth Estate and The Riot Club.
Ash Hunter was recently seen on stage in Light Shining in Buckinghamshire for the National Theatre. His other theatre credits include Pitcairn at Shakespeare’s Globe, Antony & Cleopatra for the Royal Shakespeare Company and A Midsummer’s Night Dream at the Almeida Theatre. His television credits include the BBC’s The Secret Agent and Death in Paradise.
HAMILTON is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the very foundations of the America we know today. The score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway – the story of America then, as told by America now.
