Review: BARE

BARE: a pop opera, Tues 12^th– Sat 16^th May, ADC, 7.45pm, £14/11

This is not your traditional love story.

BARE is so much more than just a story of love, but one of struggle, fears, growing up, uncertainty and fun. And CUMTS have done a wonderful job.

It is difficult, real, perhaps slightly dated, but has at its core pure, raw emotion.

Fantastic faces! – Image Credit- Johannes Hjorth.

We wanted to give the show two reviews; one for the production and one for the performance. Unfortunately, we can’t. But here’s why BARE is still the show to see this Easter term.

Believable chemistry – Image Credit- Johannes Hjorth.

Vocally this show is impressive. Joe Pitts, probably the star of the show, performed wonderfully throughout, providing emotion with every lyric. His notes were great and his character was well understood which left me (Sam) something of an emotional wreck by the end (although no saying why!). Ed Limb was also strong tonight, improving in the second half to deliver a gut wrenching solo toward the end. The chemistry between the pair was very believable and really drove the first act. They make a really cute couple.

Impressive vocals and great characterisation throughout. – Image Credit- Johannes Hjorth.

Sadly, the entire cast were somewhat let down by the tech team. Of course, opening night brings with it a multitude of technical challenges, but the sound quality was diabolical. Static noise cut through most of Act 1 and took away from large parts of emotional songs. Frustratingly, the problem was not solved by Act 2, but it was less noticeable.

The cast performed well over the sound issues – – Image Credit- Johannes Hjorth.

The band were quite quiet, too. The catchy bass lines and drum beats were lost tonight which took some of the energy of the performance away. However, this will inevitably (hopefully) be sorted by tomorrow and the show will improve immensely.

This show was not bad. The cast did amazingly well to overcome the technical hitches. The songs were great. Emily Murray was a phenomenally sassy nun with some talented riffs and James Daly hit some wonderful high notes and harmonies. Lucy Dickson also deserves a mention with her beautiful rendition of ‘A Quiet Night at Home’ which gave me goosebumps. It would be impossible to pick out each individual vocalist as all were fantastic. But the group numbers were certainly a highlight along with the superb note from Pitts, Daly, Dickson, Limb and Kitty Sillars at the end of Act 1.

Glad I passed on the ‘quiet night at home’ and came to see the show instead. – Image Credit- Johannes Hjorth.

This show needs improvement. Some more energy and slightly slicker scene transitions would make it that little bit better. But it must not be forgotten that this is a week three, exam term show and there’s no doubt that by Saturday, this could be nigh on perfect.

almost perfect. – Image Credit- Johannes Hjorth.

Sarah Mercer (Director) should be proud. The staging was lovely, especially at the end of Act 1 and the use of the soundscape of personal stories was incredibly effective. At times, though, it did feel quite rushed: subtle developments, including one pivotal one, were skimmed through. A few more pauses and time to breathe would pay dividends.

a sassy virgin Mary and back up singers. I mean what else could you ask for? – Image Credit- Johannes Hjorth.

The cast connected well, both with each other and the audience who responded with laughter, applause, tears and emotion and well deserved standing ovation. The set was also simple and effective, even if the scene changes were somewhat clumsy. A particular mention needs to go to Harry Stockwell who designed the visually stunning stained glass windows which were well used and lit throughout.

The stained glass windows in all their glory – Image Credit- Johannes Hjorth.

This show will question what you think you know about love, loss, adolescence and religion. It will make you laugh and likely cry – be prepared.

Fingers crossed that they fix the technical issues because we cannot recommend this show highly enough.

Rating – 4.5 stars

For more images of the BARE dress rehearsal please see Johannes’ blog here