Spies Are Forever at the Gillian Lynne Theatre

Spies Are Forever and so is the joy that I got from attending this show. Going in, having listened to the soundtrack and knowing that it was a concert rather than a full staging left me intrigued and it’s safe to say that I was not disappointed.

*POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD*

My Review:

The Tin Can Bros have created a brilliant comedy musical that is entirely deserving of all the attention it has received. As someone who loves Operation Mincemeat, I did feel that this show would be a show for me, and I definitely was right as I have had the soundtrack on repeat since seeing the concert. The show featured a blend of the Tin Can Bros and West End Stars to provide an incredible performance. Also, this served as Emily Proudlock’s West End debut, which I would have never known due to how talented and comfortable she was on the stage, even more so considering the slightly late notice she had before finding out that she would be going on. The cast was composed of Obioma Uguola (Agent Curt Mega), Evelyn Hoskins (Tatiana Slozhno), Oliver Ormson (Agent Owen Carvour), Claire-Marie Hall (Cynthia Houston/Mama Mega), Emily Ooi (Barbara Larvernor), Jak Malone (Dr Baron Von Nazi), Dean John-Wilson (The Deadliest Man Alive), Brian Rosenthal (The Informant), Emily Proudlock (The Lounge Singer), and Joey Richter (Sergio Santos/Vanger Borschitt).

Emily Proudlock opens with Spies Are Forever, and despite the initial microphone and sound issues, the microphone did not cut in instantly. She handled it amazingly and once the microphone did start working she was able to fully showcase her beautiful vocals and I am still shocked that this was her West End debut. Spies Are Forever introduces all of the cast to the audience through dialogue added amongst the song, and I found this very beneficial so that I knew who everyone was playing. Obioma Uguola leads Spy Again and his fabulous vocals were a joy to listen to. However, it was his characterisation that really impressed me as his ability to encapsulate the bravado but also more insecure side of Agent Curt Mega, especially during a concert, rather than a full staging which really added to the power and delivery of his songs and lines and allowed me to better connect with his character and understand his thoughts and feelings. Dean John-Wilson’s characterisation and vocals are not to be questioned, which has been shown by this and his previous roles. However, once again it was characterisation that blew me away as he was effortlessly funny without detracting from the serious nature of his character, and that balance is so difficult to strike but was captured brilliantly in this case. Also, his riffs during Somebody’s Gotta Do It were simply sublime and I could honestly listen to his rendition on-repeat. Joining Dean John-Wilson in Somebody’s Gotta Do It was Joey Richter, his acting had me in stitches, especially at the end of Somebody’s Gotta Do It as he begged not to have to return to the bakery. The random notes after every Deadliest Man mention were so simple but so funny, and every time this character was mentioned I looked forward to this as it was always perfectly timed. This song also introduces us to Evelyn Hoskins' character, Tatiana. Evelyn Hoskins has a fabulous voice and was able to maintain her accent whilst delivering heavenly vocals, especially during her Act 2 solo, Prisoner Of My Past. This was a moment of raw vulnerability for her character and this was navigated perfectly. Her voice is completely controlled and this allows for a stunning rendition that I feel privileged to have been able to see live. Claire-Marie Hall leads Eyes On The Prize 1, first and foremost, it has to be said that finally hearing Jean Leslie swear was absolutely fabulous even if it was in a different show and a different role entirely. Her phenomenal vocals always blow me away when I have seen her perform in Operation Mincemeat, however, this song was a beautiful showcase of her insane range and talent whilst also being upbeat and so fun to listen to. Her final phrase of this song left me and the rest of the audience in absolute awe, especially with the opt-up whilst singing the last note. Emily Ooi stunned with her renditions of Pay Attention! and Barb’s Lament, she was perfectly bubbly and excitable for this role without sacrificing her singing to create and display this characterisation which was fabulous. Throughout the show, it was a joy to hear her perform, however, it was her performance, Pay Attention!, that showed her perfection for this role, especially her long-held note which was able to show her talent before transitioning into showing the frustration of her character. Jak Malone leads Not So Bad with immense comedy and talent, his vocals were as always fabulous and a pleasure to hear but it was his dancing during this performance that stole this moment for me as it felt so fitting for the personality of his character which left me and the rest of the audience in stitches. All of his characterisation was just perfect to produce a highly entertaining number and character across all of his appearances. Torture Tango has always been one of my favourite songs on the album and it was so interesting to see it performed without any staging apart from a chair however it was a perfect performance from Dean John-WIlson, Obioma Uguola, and Evelyn Hoskins that did the soundtrack justice whilst also being enjoyable and impressive in its own right. Joey Richter was insanely funny and able to work the crowd brilliantly, which was shown by the opening of Act 2 before We Love The Prince. Brian Rosenthal is active throughout the entire show as both a narrator and his character, The Informant, Joey Richter joined him as the other narrator throughout the performance. The funniest acknowledgement of this was when Brian Rosenthal called for The Informant multiple times before he realised that it was him. However, the first time that we are able to hear him sing is One More Shot where he is joined by Obioma Uguola, Evelyn Hoskins and Emily Ooi. He was able to maintain the comedy of his character through various comments and actions throughout this song, making it thoroughly enjoyable for the audience to both watch and listen to whilst also providing brilliant vocals and choreography throughout this song. Oliver Ormson leads One Step Ahead alongside Obioma Uguola, due to his character, he was not in the majority of the show, however, his appearances were always incredibly entertaining as even his facial expressions were considered and perfect for his role. He has an amazing voice and this was showcased fully during this song which balanced power and singing to produce an enjoyable and engaging performance that acted as the perfect final big moment of this show.

This was an incredible concert that I am so grateful to have been able to attend as I had the best time. The entire experience was amazing and I am so glad that I decided to go after debating booking for a while.

Content Warnings:

The theatre did not have any displayed content warnings that I could see, nor did I make note of any potentially triggering moments, as this was a concert rather than a full staging, however, it should be noted that bright lights were used throughout.

Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope this review has proved interesting and helpful for you :)

- AnxiousTheatregoer