REVIEW - Carrie The Musical

FOUR STARS

IF you are in any way squeamish or don’t like the sight of blood, I’d advise against a visit to see Carrie The Musical now on at the Southwark Playhouse.

There is plenty of it, particularly at the end, and those in the front row seats are liable to get a splatter or two.

However for everyone else I would heartily recommend this production as it packs a serious punch.

It is based on Stephen King’s iconic novel Carrie, which tells the story of young Carrie White and her coming of age.

Bullied at school by a group of hideous girls and abused at home by an ultra religious and somewhat deranged mother, Carrie is an outcast, a shy, lonely and timid creature.

However, when she gets her first period she realises she has telekinetic powers. Initially this freaks her out but in time she realises how she can use them to her advantage and with devastating consequences.

The special effects are clever and dramatic but director Gary Lloyd has not made them the main focus of the piece.

Instead he allows the characters and tragic story to take centre stage and it results in the audience being taken on an emotional rollercoaster.

The score is incredible and the acting and singing are superb from an incredibly strong, and top notch young cast. It is all the more impressive when you realise that six of them are still at drama school and are making their professional debuts.

Stand out performances come from Evelyn Hoskins as Carrie and Kim Criswell who plays Carrie’s mother Margaret. Their scenes together are electric and heartbreaking.

Touching, moving, poignant and dramatic, this is a fantastic and emotionally charged production which will have you laughing one minute to fighting back tears the next.

Carrie The Musical is on at the Southwark Playhouse, Newington Causeway until May 30. Tickets cost £22. Visit www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk or call the box office on 020 7407 0234.