Some Girl I Used to Know (Birmingham)

This is a new one woman show written by Terry Ronald and Denise Van Outen. It isn’t a musical but more a play with songs sprinkled through it.

Stephanie Canworth is launching her latest underwear range in a swanky hotel, she returns to her room to escape the nosey journalists and relax. But with her husband texting her and an old love getting in touch through social media her chance of a relaxed evening disappears. In a mix of thinking out loud and talking directly to the audience, we are taken through Stephanie’s past, back to her school days in the 80s, the young adult in the 90s and to the present where she is a successful business woman. When the audience are addressed it is as friends, there are many references made to the past era’s that raise a reaction as the audience, almost as one says “oh yes, I remember those!” As this is a story in part told through teenage eyes there are moments of blunt teenage language but they are in character and not gratuitous.

Denise Van Outen is outstanding, there are many varying emotions and tones in this show but she moves between them with ease. The songs read like an 80s/90s mix tape, each one fitting effortlessly into the story and resonating with the character. Each song is delivered with a depth and passion that is matched by Denise’s powerful and striking voice.

The hotel suite set manages to depict different night clubs, beaches at sunrise, a hospital and of course a hotel room all with the use of some beautiful lighting, the changes are quite striking.

This show takes you on an emotional journey with an engaging character and actress. You will be willing Stephanie to make the right choices in life, as if she was your friend. In some ways, for the evening she is. So join her in her nice hotel as she opens the mini bar and tells you her story.

– Annette Nuttall