Crush Deserves To Be A Huge Hit

This new comedy musical takes you back to school. Back to the schools you read about as a child with a dash of St Trinians thrown in.

The girls of Dame Dorothea Dosserdale School for Girls had the perfect school, about expression rather than academic achievement. Their world is shattered when a new headmistress with very different ideas takes charge. As their school is transformed can anything stop the tide of change. 

This story line unfolds in parallel with one about two girls love for each other. What could be seen as a tricky subject is handled beautifully with sensitivity.

Adults playing school girls can be awkward, but the characterisation is perfect and they are completely believable. Rosemary Ashe is the tyrannical Miss Bleacher, her final number creating a perfect dramatic exit. Brianna Ogunbawo plays Daimler, a girl suffering from unrequited love. Her two songs are different in feel, but both beautiful and powerful. One of the standout moments of the night is the dance routine with hockey sticks led by Miss Givings (Kirsty Malpass). Malpass has her work cut out playing multiple characters, which she does with ease. Stephanie Clift (Susan) and Charlotte Miranda-Smith (Camilla) have a girlish chemistry together which is a joy. The whole cast were superb in every way, the enthusiasm was palpable and the comic timing perfect.

With a set that looks hand drawn and taken from a school exercise book, the scene is set with a clever use of space. The transformation into a nightclub is especially effective and hosts a two of the shows most memorable numbers, Sugar und Spice and What if.

All of the songs are original and have a meaningful purpose, they don’t feel contrived or shoe horned in, they add to the flow of the story.

The audience were laughing out loud throughout, there is a real jolly hockey sticks vibe that doesn’t fail to entertain. This is a show that deserves to be a huge hit.