Bring It On - The Alexandra Stage Experience Review

Reviewed by Amelia Bascombe
Disclaimer - ticket was gifted in return for an honest review

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The Alexandra Stage Experience celebrates its 18th year, with the Birmingham premiere of Bring It On. The programme offers a platform for talent ages 9-24 who are hoping to be the future of musical theatre. Each summer provides a new musical for the youngsters to take on, with previous shows like Fame and Grease being loved by audiences. There has been notable success stories from the Stage Experience, including Heathers and Wicked star Liam Doyle. 

Photo by Jonathan Sothcott

Bring It On: The Musical was created in 2011 and is based on the 2000 classic film of the same name. After success in the early 2010’s in the US, a 2018 production ran off west end. The following 2021 UK tour production, which was heavily impacted by the pandemic, had 9 to 5 and Back To The Future star Amber Davies leading the production alongside Olympic gymnast Louis Smith MBE. Other notable stars previously involved with the production in the US include OG Regina George, Taylor Louderman, Tina The Musical’s, Adrienne Warren and the first ever Heather MacNamara, Elle McLemore. With such talent formerly involved, does this production bring enough spirit to compare?

The short answer is yes. 

A youth production sometimes needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, but the punch that these kids are packing is formidable. With original music by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the lyrics (also by Miranda and songwriter Amanda Green) fully emulate the high school experience and the pressures of team rivalries. The book was written by Avenue Q’s Jeff Whitty, and this version in particular is directed by Pollyann Tanner - it’s to be noted that none of the creative team have even seen the musical performed before. The lighting and set have been created from scratch by the production company and hit the nail on the head with creating a believable high school experience. The choreography also by Tanner and Olivia Wicks is perfectly suited to the setting and gives every member of the cast a chance to shine. Special nod to dance captain Emily-Violet Haywood who really stole the spotlight in the big ensemble numbers.

Taking on the lead role of Campbell, Laura Bryan is certainly destined for stardom. She encapsulates the character perfectly and steers the narrative exactly where we need it to go. She shows commitment and understanding to the role and her voice is such a standout; not to mention she’s belting that score like there’s no tomorrow. This is her perfect moment and she is making sure everyone knows it.

Photo by Jonathan Sothcott

Another highlight comes from Eden Wedgbrow as Bridget, who is just played so sincerely. Eden has a charm that echos right to the back of the theatre and has you looking for her each scene. She packs that killer instinct and is definitely a favourite character. She performs ‘It Ain’t No Thing’ with Demi Mitchell as Nautica and Molly Ann Bache as La Cienega, which proves to be a memorable moment in the show, and Molly and Demi are a fabulous double act. As Danielle, Brittany Jarmon-Watson dazzles with her vocals and is serving some absolute sassy realness. Continuing on, Bessy Hingley is giving us a great villain-sequel portrayal of Eva. Although the character’s writing can be particularly one note, Eva does her best with the script provided and is the perfect sweet-turned-evil antagonist. Finally, Kieran Powell captivates as Randall and the blossoming romance he starts with Campbell is incredibly wholehearted.

The production is running until Saturday the 19th, so if you can’t catch it this year, then definitely block out summer next year to see what they do next - I’ll meet you there!

Bring It On plays at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 19th August. Tickets are available from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/stage-experience-bring-it-on/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/

Photo by Jonathan Sothcott