Book, Lyrics and Director: Mike Stocks
Music: Patrick Steed
Who among us would dare claim disdain or disregard for the charming quirks and eccentricities that make up the rich folk history and experience of the islands? The UK is awash with local myths and celebratory events whose origins and means are sometimes completely opaque but they’re celebrated anyway as part of the rich fabric of life. In one particular corner of the country, they throw a wheel of cheese down a hill for people to hurl themselves after.
It’s this famous annual cheese-based event that becomes the focal point of this new musical. The third show of the third year of New Wimbledon Theatre’s “Premieres” seasons, attempts to explore a mythical and magical side of the event itself, and the reasons people have for throwing themselves over a steep verge to chase dairy. The cheese becomes a symbol of other achievements and goals, ones that can only be grasped by flinging yourself wholeheartedly at the challenge.
For all the ambition and good intentions on display here, it’s hard to say it’s a success. It’s difficult to get to grips with the storyline driven by “The Keeper” of the cheese and her exploration of a range of different people’s stories – confusingly told with flashbacks to the past, sections where they’re in some magical limbo space, free-floating time in general and performers playing multiple roles. Things feel unintentional, occasionally improvised, and some inclusions are less surprising, more confusing. The cabaret performance by the cheese itself, for example, doesn’t quite fit in but is nonetheless a fun few minutes of a song. On top of this, jokes are allowed to go on and on to then get run painfully into the ground (like the whole inclusion of an American defence contractor) and some comic attempts just fall completely flat.
With a live band of keyboard, bass guitar and drums accompanying the singers (led by composer Patrick Steed), it’s nearly impossible to hear some of the less powerfully voiced performers across a number of pieces. The songs they’re singing too are largely forgettable, but lyricist Mike Stocks does have a great line in sad, emotionally vulnerable ballads as seen in Hold Me Some More and Jake is Powerful.
The cast of 12 push forward, gamely at times, but it feels sadly effortful as we reach the end of the two-hour running time. Setting out to celebrate the idiosyncrasies and character of ancient customs, linking them with strong personal stories and journeys, is a wonderful idea. Indeed, some nuggets of quality are to be found scattered throughout. But as a whole this new musical leaves a lot to be desired.
Runs until 11 November 2023
