Review: RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL, Arts Theatre

Ruthless! the Musical is a delightfully irreverent piece that cleverly makes fun of 'show business'. The cast is full of talented comedic actresses and the role of Tina is a great showcase for a young girl. While not necessarily one for the family, it's certainly a great show for a fun night out.

Ruthless! has played Off-Broadway for 25 years, but this version directed by Richard Fitch is new and modified for its West End debut. With music, lyrics, and book by partners Marvin Laird and Joel Paley, the show's songs harken back to a slightly older style of musical theatre. At times, the young Tina's songs are similar to those in shows like Annie.

The show follows young Tina Denmark, a talented child determined to succeed in show business. Her mother, Judi Denmark, isn't so sure that the stage is the place for a child, but then the fabulous and ambitious Sylvia St Croix arrives to become her manager. The show includes some incredibly unexpected plot twists, including a murder, and lots of references to musicals - from Gypsy to Miss Saigon.

Rebecca Howell's choreography shines in this show, especially in the tap dance scenes. The music is lovely, if not particularly memorable, and the book of the show is outrageously funny. One of my only complaints is that it's set in "a time not so different from our own" that blends elements of the 1950s and the present day in a way that I sometimes found distractingly confusing.

Four young girls (Fifi Bloomberg-Khier, Charlotte Breen, Lucy Simmonds, and Anya Evans) alternate the role of Tina and I got to see Evans, who is phenomenal. She portrays the seemingly sweet but actually sinisterly ambitious young girl very well, and her voice is strong and well suited to the material. Her tap dancing is also wonderful and her performance of young star classic, "Born to Entertain", is easily the best I've ever seen.

Kim Maresca reprises her role as Judy Denmark, after appearing in the 2015-2016 Off-Broadway production. She's equally hilarious as the self-sacrificing housewife and later as the self-centred Broadway starlet. She has a stunningly lovely voice and her "It Will Never Be That Way Again" is charming.

Television broadcaster, performer, and choreographer Jason Gardiner plays Sylvia St Croix in an amazing drag role. He seems impressively natural in drag and has lovely comedic timing. Tracie Bennett as Tina's drunk grandmother and theatre critic Lita Encore is amazing, and her "I Hate Musicals" is easily one of the best parts of the show.

Harriet Thorpe plays the humorous teacher and director of the school play, Myrna Thorn. One of the biggest surprises of the piece is Lara Denning, who doesn't particularly stand out in the first act as Louise Lerman but brings the house down with her powerhouse vocals in "Penthouse Apartment" as Eve in Act II.

The set and costumes designed by Morgan Large beautifully create the whimsical world of the show. From sumptuous gowns to Tina's starch 1950s style dresses, the clothing lends a great element of theatricality to the production. Tim Lutkin's creative use of lighting in the second act also contributes to the atmosphere of the piece, keeping the tone playful and melodramatic despite serious events occurring.

Ruthless! is a deliciously camp musical that takes turns you can't expect and brilliantly showcases a talented cast. Simply put, it's great fun. But don't be fooled by the cute posters; it's definitely not one for the family.

Ruthless! the Musical is on at Arts Theatre until 23 June.

Photo Credit: Roy Tan

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