After a hugely successful Edinburgh Fringe run last year, Adam & Eve .. and Steve, makes its London premiere at the King’s Head. The tale of how God created Adam and Eve gets a biblical makeover in this musical comedy that is a heavenly joy to watch.
God’s (Michael Christopher) plan to create Adam (Joseph Robinson) and Eve (Hayley Hampson) goes deliciously wrong when the mischievous Beelzebub (Stephen McGlynn) interferes, and God creates Steve (Dale Adams) instead of Eve.
Adam is delighted with Steve (who thinks he is a woman called St. Eve) and all is harmonious until the two new BFFs are confronted by Eve herself. A ménage a trois for the modern era ensues, and the future of humankind hangs in the balance as everyman Adam, loveable OTT Steve and jealous Eve try to sort out their tangled emotions…
The stage design (Maeve Black) beckons us into the Garden of Eden; all green and shimmering in dappled light with the sounds of the creatures of the forest all around. We first encounter the Devil himself, a rather egotistical Beelzebub who tells us from the start ‘it’s all about him’.
We then meet Adam, a handsome fellow who appears to have been created with a charming Welsh valleys accent. With a bit of meddling from Beelzebub, before the curiously Scouse tongued Eve gets created, along comes Steve, who instantly takes a shine to the buff Adam.
When Eve finally makes an appearance, she too falls for Adam and what ensues is some lovely physical and verbal comedy scenes between the love rivals, with poor Adam stuck forlornly between the two. Throw in some forbidden fruit and a bit of dancing with the Devil and we’re all set for a fun filled night.
Brought bang up to date with some topical references to Trump, Sturgeon and the like, Adam & Eve and Steve effortlessly (and occasionally inexplicably) cleverly combines humour, ancient history and modern day issues.
The many songs (accompanied throughout on the piano by the angelically attired MD Dean Austin) are fairly pleasant and well sung, but not all particularly memorable. There are a couple that do stand out – one about ‘buying furniture with you’ (a witty parody of stereotypical gay couples) and one about marriage sung by Adam and Eve, which is a gem packed full of tongue in cheek euphemisms.
All the cast are splendid but the titular trio played by Robinson, Hampson and Adams, stand out for their vibrancy. For his wonderful mannerisms and characterisation, Dale Adams gets a special mention for his portrayal of the ever effervescent Steve.
With some lovely one liners throughout (‘it’s fine for Sweden but not for Eden’), charming song and dance routines (choreography by Francesca Goodridge, who also directs the show) and an energetic and enthusiastic cast, Chandler Warren’s ‘Adam & Eve … and Steve’ is a true delight.
Flying Entertainment with AES in association with The King’s Head presents
The London Premiere of
Adam & Eve … and Steve
21st March – 29th April 2017
King’s Head Theatre
‘Adam & Eve….and Steve’ makes its London debut at the Kings Head, Islington from 21st March for a 5 week run. This toe-tapping, warm-hearted new musical delivers laugh-out-loud moments in abundance and turns the age-old story of The Garden of Eden completely on its head. The show is set to delight audiences and critics alike after a hugely successful Edinburgh Fringe Festival run last August.
God’s plan to create Adam and Eve goes deliciously wrong when the mischievous Beelzebub interferes, and God creates Steve instead of Eve. Adam is delighted with Steve (who thinks he is a woman called St. Eve) and all is harmonious until the two new BFFs are confronted by Eve herself. A ménage a trois for the modern era ensues, and the future of humankind hangs in the balance as everyman Adam, loveable OTT Steve and jealous Eve try to sort out their tangled emotions….
Dale Adams (Steve): trained at the Arts Ed, London. Stage appearances include Prince Charming in Cinderella and Frankie Valli in Oh What a Night! He has also appeared at Glyndebourne and was in the ensemble for the Olivier Awards.
Michael Christopher (God): played Sir Thomas Moore in Robert Bolt’s A Man For AllSeasons and Monk Tetzel in John Osborne’s Luther.
Hayley Hampson (Eve): trained at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Her credits include: Blue Girl in Shout! The Mod Musical; Faryl in Golden Oldies; Daisy in Pharaoh Crossthe Mersey; and Sophie in Departure Lounge.
Stephen McGlynn (Beelzebub): has appeared in the West End in Mary Poppins,Mamma Mia (original cast), Les Miserables, Witches of Eastwick, and State Fair. He has also appeared in Romeo and Juliet, It’s A Wonderful Life, Hairspray, Macbeth, Beauty and the Beast and Evita.
Joseph Robinson (Adam): trained at The Guildford School of Acting and this is his professional debut.
The book and lyrics are by Chandler Warren, a noted US entertainment lawyer, producer and writer. Warren has written extensively for TV and theatre, as well as penning numerous books and articles. He has also produced movies for TV and theatre productions – both on and off Broadway. The original music was composed by Wayne Moore, whose previous works include; There’s No Place Like Hollywood (Stella Adler Theatre), Freeway Dreams (The Gardenia), I Know I Came In Here For Something and The Real Desperate Housewives (Taconic Playhouse, New York).
This production has Francesca Goodridge directing and choreographing once more. Her directing credits include Shout! The Mod Musical at LIPA, Edinburgh Festival and Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre.
