First seen at the West Yorkshire Playhouse last summer, Bad Girls - The Musical represents a serious and fairly entertaining attempt to draw our attention to the iniquities of a prison system which “bangs up” women who shouldn’t be there and subjects them to abuse and humiliation from the staff who despise them.
This makes the show sound grimmer than it is, and doesn’t allow for the passing nod to genuine malefactors, arsonists, habitual shop-lifters and delinquents. But I think most of us believe that women are a much nicer lot than men and not often party to the horrors of organised crime or mass murders. Prostitution only exists because men create the market for it.
The authors Maureen Chadwick and Ann McManus – they wrote the television series on which the show is based, as well as Footballers’ Wives – may not have re-written the history of musical theatre, but they have produced a tight, taut show full of human spirit, and rooted in the burgeoning friendship between Nikki (Caroline Head) who has killed a policeman who was raping her girlfriend, and Helen (Laura Rogers), a new officer on the block who “hopes to make a difference”.
Comparisons are odious, but there are similarities with both Chicago and The Beggar’s Opera, without the shiny slickness of the first or the distilled social anger of the second. Still, when Sally Dexter’s voluptuous Yvonne turns up in vertiginous stilettos and red leather – “Hi, girls; just popped in for a quick four years” - she galvanises the inmates like some transsexual Mack the Knife and the party mood (“We need glamour in our lives/ Out on the razz, like footballers’ wives”) swiftly turns to a riot.
That chaos is prompted by the tragic suicide of one of the new prisoners, Rachel (Emily Aston), after she has been compromised by David Burt’s lascivious prison officer, who operates as a licensed sex machine after lights out. Can such abuse really take place in our prisons? The behaviour is tacitly sanctioned by Michael Harbour’s frog-faced Number One and Helen Fraser’s radiant, chuckling female screw.
Kath Gotts’ music is serviceable rather than inspired – with Willy Russell on board this could have been a new Blood Brothers (what the heck is Willy Russelldoing by the way?) – and, as in all “working class” British musicals from Billy to Billy Elliot, there are slightly cringe-inducing break-outs into glitter balls, chorus lines and high kicks.
But “A Life of Grime” and “All Banged Up” are terrific numbers, brilliantly executed by Julie Jupp, Rebecca Wheatley and La Dexter, and Maggie Norris’ vibrant production roars on to a life-enhancing finale.
- Michael Coveney
Reader Reviews
Score
Comment
Date
“I shouldn’t be here”: the cast of Bad Girls the Musical warns the audience and no they shouldn’t. How did a production with so many explicit, sexist references make it to London’s Garrick Theatre? The answer is- through the success of the ITV drama Bad Girls, on which it is based.
Set in the fictional HMP Larkhall women’s prison, the story follows inmates and guards- characters from the drama series. Guard Jim Fenner (David Burt) praying on the vulnerability of the inmates, like a lion, creeping upon his prey, eventually raping one (Rachel Hicks played by Emily Aston) who kills herself. The member of authority is fought against by the inmates, who eventually get him fired.
But the women use similarly underhand behaviour- recording equipment is literally thrown in from one of the boxes, (which is ridiculous), and he is tricked into admitting what he has done. This is problematic: are the creators (Maureen Chadwick and Ann McManus) suggesting that the only way to fight such unjust behaviour is through being deceitful? The story is flawed from the outset: they could have created a gritty text but the cheesy grins and the overly used ‘jazz hands’ meant it couldn’t work!
Chadwick and McManus suggest that prisons are filled with sex crazed, drug addicts. The show is riddled with stereotypes- Nicky Wade (Caroline Head) the lesbian, Yvonne Atkins (Sally Dexter) the sex crazed, sings “I want some action inside my pants”, similar to Fenner’s justification for the rape as he sings “ever slut, every slag, ever shag’s in the bag”, the writing (songs by Kath Gotts) is crude, brash and offensive to women; especially considering the songs and script were by three women.
The staging was also at times, ridiculous. Although Fenner is a rapist- the second half begins with Burt performing a routine reminiscent of ‘Beauty School Drop Out’ from Grease: he wears a top hat, and sings whilst walking down a flight of stairs, framed by a glitter back drop, the ensemble of 10 women gyrate around him as though he is a rock star, not a prison guard, and certainly not a rapist.
The set (Colin Richmond) it self is simple, cold even, but a little too bland- with the occasional appearance of corrugated iron doors wheeled in by guards, or an iron panel with two urinals attached. Scenes occur with Fenner and the number one (Michael N. Harbour), whilst they were going to the toilet- a technique which makes the words inaudible.
The production borrows what has been successful elsewhere: urinal’s work in television shows because characters can be secretive whilst viewers can see characters faces. Similarly the ‘Beauty school drop out’ number works, in Grease because of the character that is singing. Even Chicago works; because the women choose to be sexual as opposed to being forced upon them by members of authority. Bad Girls the Musical is stereotyped, poorly written and clearly borrows from other productions, so the possible talent of its cast, cannot be seen.
- Aimee
08 Nov 07
I was surprised what fun this musical is with a superb cast and Sally Dexter in particular is worth the price of the ticket alone and really goes over the top in her role. The projected scenery is great too and is something I have not seen bettered anywhere on the stage. The only down side to the evening was the constant munching and rustling of food packaging throughout the first half. I really wish theatre management would ban food from the auditorium especially when some of these people are troughing constantly. - Ivor
01 Nov 07
The previous comment is unintelligible - what is he on about? We saw it 2 weeks ago, it was great, and (as far as I know) no-one hid behind some mantle of secrecy!This show, as well as being superb entertainment, seems to cause strange reactions in those who cant handle drama beyond lonely goatherds and chimney-sweeps! - Timmo
08 Oct 07
The entire cast and production team should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. Particularly the ones below who are shamelessly plugging their own tasteless, amoral show under pseudonyms. Take a hint guys - this show stinks. - Ned S
06 Oct 07
As a regular theatre go-er, not only watching plays but musicals as well, I can honestly say that I thought it was fabulous. It's not Macbeth but it is a truely fun night out in the West End. I can't remember the last time I saw a musical that really had a story line. I don't think there was any point that the campery was ever mocking, the reality is that women are raped and women do die in the hands of the goverment system. I think Norris has captured the balance between that reality and the fact that it is a musical, so how can it not be camp! I think they have made excellent use of what quite frankly is a small theatre with the set design and AV. The music is fab and Gotts should be celebrated for her truimphant success in producing some many lovely numbers. Last but not least the company....I think the ensamble are a real joy, when they are on stage the energy is high,along with Nicole Faraday who plays Shell and is brilliant. I have seen this twice now, once in previews and now in a finished state and I can truely say it has got so much better so if you saw it in previews go again....you'll love it, I know I did. - els
28 Sep 07
Brilliant - great to see some of the cast of the TV show making an appearence too. Some nice references to the show for the die-hard fans and plenty to entertain the newcomers. Bodybag is loveable and despisable in equal measure.
Not everyone likes Marmite either - but I love it! - Apha
26 Sep 07
I guess this show jerks you either one way or another.There are essentially 2 storylines, the first being Jim Fenner's rape of an inmate, her suicide and the revenge extracted by the other cons, and the second being the lesbian love between an inmate and the wing governor. Although the depth of feeling in both of these lines is clear, the 'lighter side' (it is a musical,after all) is excellently conveyed. This is a brilliant and British show which entertains from start to finish. - Inmate
25 Sep 07
I agree with every good comment on here. The key in the lock as thomas Hill put it. Is not a litteral thing at all it is mearly a very clever Symbolism that fenner has the key to every lock on the wing and therefore he believes he can have any of the women on the wing as well. I think the way that they deal with the rape issue is very clever as fenner as a character would just force himself on anyone no matter what. He is grooming Rachael into trusting him throughout the 1st half and in the tv sries he did the same. I think the songs are fab and the simple set is amazing without the humourous songs such as all banged up it would make for a very deprssing musical. I think they have got the balance quite right. If this makes me a Nazi like KJC calls sarah then so be it. I am proud to say i am going again this week and will go again before it closes in sure!! - Nats
23 Sep 07
I think it's fabulous and me and my friend have seen it twice now and are going again next week! We dressed up as shell dockley with the whats on stage trip and we're going as the two julies next time and the cast loved it saying we have to come as different characters each time lol! Having loved the tv series i was doubtful about whether or not it would live up to it but it definitely has in my opinion, the characterisations are great and just like those off the series, the music and lyrics are hilarious and the catchy tunes make you go home singing, I agree that everyones opinion is valid however i believe its fine to disagree and i'd disagree that the show is in bad taste. The show adresses a lot of serious issues and if it weren't for the comedy you'd probably feel very depressed after watching it! I think its quite brechtian by using comedy to juxtapose the hard hitting stuff, you could be laughing at soemthing and then you step back and think actually thats really awful making the seriousness stand out and making you think about it even more!
The key song, makes me feel sick and makes me dislike the character fenner so i think its a clever song, those of you who have watched the series will know what a nasty and vile man he is so the song is very fitting and by seeing his pleasure whilst singing the song it makes you despise him, he is essentially the villain! The set i think was brilliant by being minamilistic it completely showed what prison is like, if they'd had elaborate scenery it wouldn't be anything like the real thing and the projcetions were a great added extra! i think the bangs to wake up the audience are again very clever even though i'd seen the show before i still jumped each time, it brings a bit of fear into the audience giving them a touch of what it must be like to be in prison as its a scary place!! Its amazingly performed, hilariously funny with brilliant songs i can't wait for the soundtrack which they are apparantly working on! A fab night out!! - liz
23 Sep 07
I agree with the last - and I do wonder whether some of the opinions expressed reflect an "I mustn't comment well on something based on an intellectually naff TV series" attitude - or maybe some discomfort with the lesbian element? The show is a fascinating mix - but above all, it offers 2&a half hours of real entertainment. - Caroline
19 Sep 07
This is pure entertainment - forget the pretentiousness of whether it is right to enjoy the dark side of women's prison life - it is a show filled with both pathos and laughs, and some fine performances. By the way, I thought Nicole Faraday was an absolutely convincing Shell Dockley!Being based on a TV show is no indictment - as a storyline which was only vaguely related to the TV show, it stands up well on it's own anyway. - TM
19 Sep 07
amateur hour apart from sally dexter who is wonderful - mcb
18 Sep 07
Terrible. I should have feared the worst as this is a musical based on a TV show. Let's hope it fails otherwise there'll be a spate of them. We'll end up with Newsnight: The Musical. - Edwyn Lewis
17 Sep 07
This really is an awful show. Some strong acting with depth and sensitivity(Caroline Head) and some abysmal acting with dreadful accent(s) (Nicole Faraday). But the real problem is that it doesn't know whether it wants to be a camp giggle or a gritty drama. Instead it ends up as a sorry mess. - DR
14 Sep 07
I am completely stunned that this show has received anything but a slamming! I honestly felt sorry for the cast who were clearly trying to make the best of what can only be described as an abysmal piece of theatre. Trite lyrics, implausible plot and no sense of what it wanted to be - gritty drama alongside pastiche was a laughable combination! Please can we get rid of this rubbish in the West End and give the theatres to some deserving writing talent. - HEQ
14 Sep 07
I thought the production was in very bad taste, a song about putting a key in the lock??? to not take rape seriously is vile and crass, lets not forget that this leads to the girl killing her self which is also held in bad taste. The set was poor and the constant bang to wake the audiance up got very tiresome. Dexter shines through as being one of the few who is west end royalty however in this production she is demoted to some camp drug dealing gangster, one member of the audiance thought she was a man in drag!!!
lets not forget Dexter was recently in Billy and played Nancy in Oliver two brilliant west end leads.
the supporting cast, well support but nothing is new, exciting or well done in this new British musical, no wonder the west end is full of crass rehash musicals and broadway transfers.
Lets get back to the great Britsih Musical. - Tomas Hill
14 Sep 07
Very competent performances and good staging, but unmemorable music, not enough laughs, too long first half and, on the night we went, no atmosphere in the theatre. It still needs work to make it work, but it could..... - GarGar
05 Sep 07
This is a brilliant new musical, with a great cast and some fantastic songs. There's just the right mix of heartwrenching ballads and fun up-tempo numbers. The ballads are all performed well, some bringing a tear to my eye I must admit, and the ensemble pieces sound and look great. It's impossible to pick a favourite song with so many stand out numbers like "All Banged Up" (outrageous choreography - I loved it!), 'The Future Is Bright', 'Every Night' and of course 'Baddest and the Best', which is the catchiest song I've heard in a while! It's great to see Helen Fraser reprising her role of 'Bodybag' but it would be unfair to highlight any particular cast member as they all do a brilliant job. Perhaps it won't be for everyone but if you're looking for a fun and enjoyable night out, whether a fan of the series or not, I highly recommend Bad Girls - The Musical! - May
24 Aug 07
I would just like to add that unlike Sarah Norton, I believe each person's opinion is as valid as my own. Are you a Nazi, Sarah? (I am not changing my rating of the show either - the 3 stars are to ensure this comment doesn't affect the show's overall rating) - KJC
24 Aug 07
Ignore KJC. This is a musical that actually has a bit of substance as well as tap numbers! Yes, the plot is sometimes a litle dark, but why should that be a bad thing? Sometimes it is also a little camp but this is the West End? This has the right mixture of both. It has some great, light hearted songs and dances. The cast are, on the whole, superb. The music is some of the best new music on stage I have heard for ages. The design is visually impressive. I had never seen an episode of Bad Girls before I saw this and it didn't affect my enjoyment of it one bit. Those around me who are fans of the show seemed to be having an even better time than I was. If people can just remenber that theatre is supposed to provide us with an enjoyable way of spending an afternoon or evening then they will love this show. I did. - Sarah Norton
24 Aug 07
I can't believe this show is actually playing in the West End. If you like car-crash theatre, then hurry and get a ticket because this will undoubtably be closing very quickly, if not on grounds of quality, then of taste. Storylines about rape and suicide sit uneasily beside kitch, camp, fantasy tap numbers, leaving the audience to have it's own real-life "Springtime For Hitler" moment, as their jaws hit the floor. The smattering of polite applause which greeted the end of each cliched, overblown number suggested there would be a queue of disgruntled people at the box office later requesting their money back. And they would be entirely justified. The only redeeming feature in this show is the set-design. - KJC
24 Aug 07
This is a fabulous night out. Whether you're a fan of the TV show or not you'll love this. Fantastic entertainment. - Ronnie Syme
Whatsonstage.com - Discount London theatre tickets, theatre news and reviews, Theatre videos, Theatre discussion, National Theatre Listings. Covering London's West End, all of Theatreland and all UK theatre. The best
for London Theatre Tickets Discounts.
