Spend, Spend, Spend - Royal Exchange

A few thoughts from tonight’s viewing. I really enjoyed this one. Having seen the SSS tour after its WE run, I really couldn’t remember much about it so it was a great opportunity to revisit it at the REX. The running time was around the 2hr 45 minute mark with interval (the clock at the ticket office said a 10.15pm finish and I was out around that time). With only a few mic issues, we got through the run without any stops and as a first preview was in pretty good shape and well paced from director Josh Seymour. 

For casting, Rachel Leskovac as Viv nails it. Great vocals with good comic timing. Her Act 2 duet with Rose Galbraith as Young Vic with “Who’s Gonna Love Me”was definitely the highlight for me with some real emotional punch against the comedic moments of the show. As the younger Viv, Rose managed to strike the right balance between the comedy and the more tragic moments in Act 2 as Viv’s life unravels after spending all the money and the abusive relationships she went through. I certainly didn’t have any issues with her vocals which I felt were both strong and clear from my seat in the stage level seats. Thankfully, the West Yorkshire accents held throughout the show. As the rest of the cast, all perfectly watchable with no weak links. Surprisingly, Rory Bremner lends his vocal talents to this production. 

The score by Steve Brown and Justin Greene was really enjoyable to listen to with some witty lyrics. The score was brought to life thanks to 7 piece band (2 x reeds, trumpet, keys, guitars, bass and drums) under the directorship of Livi van Warmelo. This year all the band are housed outside of the auditorium in 2 boxes. As the first run the sound mixing was fine with no lyrics being lost to the band

With respect to the set design from Grace Smart there really wasn’t any fixed sets with bits and pieces brought in when required (the cars are just neon lighting strips bent into shape to resemble a car frame held up by cast members). Whilst this was helpful in the fact that no audience member is stuck behind any big bits of set, there was a lot of time where the stage did look pretty bare at times with only a few actors on stage. It was only really during the title song and John Collier numbers did I feel the stage was fully utilised. As usual with the Rex, being a in the round stage, meant that I did have a few moments where I saw a lot of people’s heads rather than faces. Though from my G53 seat, in all I really didn’t miss that much and I don’t think being sat anywhere else would have afforded a better view. The one benefit of having a stage level seat was that I was able to pick up some of the paper money that fell from the roof at the end of Act 1 which was a nice souvenir from my visit. The lighting design from Jack Knowles was nice with some lovely purple and pinks on show.

The only criticism I did have was with some of the costume designs. For some reason, during the calling out of the pools results, 2 cast members who are meant to represent football teams are dressed in silver outfits rather than sports gear. Ok, I wouldn’t expect full football kits, but at least something resembling them. 

As a story of rags to riches and then back to rags, I certainly thought it was still relevant to today’s society and even if people hadn’t heard of Viv Nicholson prior to tonight, her story about winning big money can be easily compared to those people who have won the lottery and then blown it all.

So how does this one compare to previous REX shows? Whilst I wouldn’t bracket it in the same league as The Producers or Gypsy (top tier shows), it was certainly a much better watch than Betty! The Musical. Given time to bed in, there was enough with SSS for me to book for it again in the New Year. Tonight’s audience seemed to enjoy it but no SO at the end. 

Rating - 4⭐️

Can anyone tell me what the Banquette seats are please?