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The greatest show and other bromances: Adam Riches and John Kearns ARE Ball and Boe @sohotheatre

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Alfie Boe and Michael Ball seem to be a bit of a joke act anyway. Their endless interpretations of popular songs (also known as covers) and their double-act bromance make them quintessential crossover artists where popular music meets opera and Broadway. And a perilous choice for the discerning listener. It’s not that they aren’t talented musicians and performers in their own right. Still, their musical choices are always safe, predictable and less than their potential. But every country deserves to have a pair of self-described national treasures that can tour the local arenas and give people a good time for the bargain price of £175 a seat.  And so the concept of Adam Riches and John Kearns - two world-famous from the Edinburgh Fringe comedians taking on this bromance seems like a curious choice for a Christmas musical fare. One can only hope that over the fourteen nights, it is playing at the Soho Theatre that the show evolves into something more substantial than a series of po...

Holding out for a hero: Eugenius @TheOtherPalace

You get the sense you’re witnessing the birth of a new cult musical at Eugenius. Some audience members appear to know the choreography, songs and bad jokes in advance of those experiencing it for the first time. And this isn’t such a bad thing. Particularly with its supercharged cast and uplifting eighties-inspired soundtrack this show rocks. It’s back atThe Other Palace after a successful run earlier this year. 

The book music and lyrics are by Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins. The songs are inspired with their upbeat eighties sound. Keyboards, sax solos and electric guitars abound. And there are a mix of ballads and hilarious songs to keep things irresistible. But they have to compete with a convoluted story seems like a mash up of Blood Brothers, Rock of Ages and Galaxy Quest.

Teenage boy Eugene (Rob Houchen), dreams of a distant world where superhero Tough Man and Super Hot Lady fight against the Evil Lord Hector. His nerdy friends Janey (Laura Baldwin) and Feris (Daniel Buckley) encourage him to put his ideas to paper.  So soon hie finds himself with a contract in Hollywood where fantasy and reality begins to converge.

And although the story gets bogged down with it’s Hollywood subplot, it’s hard not to like a show with a robot called Kevin and some seriously terrific wigs and costumes. Adams and Wilkins have an ear for a catchy tune and everyone looks like they’re having a fabulous time. Well maybe except for the band who sit on stage looking lifeless. 

Houchen with his strong tenor vocals deftly handles the demands of the music. And Baldwin is a delight as the nerdy girl with a super hot streak underneath. 

Directed by Ian Talbot with choreography by Aaron Renfree, Eugenius is at The Other Palace until 21 October. Go Eugenius!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Photos by Scott Rylander

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