In many ways, Ordinary Days is a very simple piece of musical theatre. Performed by four actors, one pianist and a threadbare set, it is about as basic as a show can be - but, as the characters' lives become more entwined, it shows hidden depths.
With a score written by Adam Gwon, this is the first professional revival mounted in London for a number of years. It is pure musical theatre, every lyric acted as well as sung by a talented quartet of performers. Fresh from a run at Birmingham's Old Joint Stock, it fits into the ‘room above a pub' vibe perfectly.
Set in New York City, Ordinary Days follows the lives of Warren, Deb, Jason and Claire. We meet Warren (played by Aidan Cutler) before lights down as he hands out his DIY affirmation leaflets to the audience. It soon becomes clear that, despite being a comical figure, all Warren wants is friendship and Cutler strikes the right balance between humour and empathy.
He is soon thrown together with Deb (Dora Gee), a feisty college student, who must surely be the most fun of all four characters to portray. As well as her wonderful vocals, Gee's comic timing is spot on and leaves you willing for Deb perhaps more than anyone else.
And, finally, Jason (James Edge) and Claire (Melisa Camba) are a young couple navigating their way through moving in together and dealing with their pasts. Without giving away any spoilers to the plot, Camba provides the show's standout moment with the penultimate number ‘I'll Be There', where Claire is finally willing and able to let go of her emotions entirely.
As mentioned earlier, the set is very basic, even by Upstairs at the Gatehouse's standards, but makes the most of a handful of building blocks to create a variety of different locations. The actors perform much of the show singing directly to the audience; in most instances, it works to create an additional layer of intimacy but sometimes the performers have their backs to one side or another of the auditorium for a little too long.
But under Karl Steele's direction, Gwon's songs are given the time and space to resonate. Having listened to some of the original cast recording before the show, I had expected the humour but was blindsided by the poignancy and emotion. Ordinary Days is a little slice of musical theatre heaven and will appeal to anyone who has a love of the genre.
Ordinary Days is playing at Upstairs at the Gatehouse until 27 April. For ticket information, see here.
Review: Tom Ambrose Photo: Perro Loco Productions