Book and Lyrics: Seeun Choun
Music: Jongyoon Choi
English Lyrics: Emma Fraser
Director: Sarah Meadows
Do you think you know Marie Curie? This musical will make you think again.
In this new musical, recently transferring to the UK after much success with its runs in South Korea and Japan, the well-known figure of Marie Curie is examined in an entirely new light.
Ailsa Davidson stars as Marie Curie, bringing emotion and reality to the famous figure. We begin with a very clear exposition in the prologue that clearly sets up Curie’s goals from the moment she enters the stage; to find something currently unfound. Davidson has a beautiful clarity to her voice and brilliant control, carrying subtle moments and belting ballads. Her portrayal of passion and simultaneous heartache is beautifully displayed. The audience can easily empathise and root for Curie, even when her motives become questionable.
While some songs are lacking in consistency with the thematic scheme of the musical, they engage the audience by differing in solo ballads and quick-tempo ensemble pieces. Choreography has been carefully constructed to give fantastic visuals, particularly in the song Radium Paradise. Choreographer Joanna Goodwin has creatively portrayed the slow deterioration of Curie as she descends into obsession with her work, letting it consume her, both mentally and physically.
The lighting design by Prema Mehta is particularly utilized in this show, as a means of displaying the lasting effect and presence of the dangerous element Radium. Bright green plasters the factory workers who are slowly decaying from the inside out due to their exposure to Radium, with the green painted upon their faces and clothes as a reminder of the inescapability of their fate once they have been exposed. The set, designed by Rose Montgomery, while at first appears simplistic, is dynamic in its movement and ability to easily transition between locations and scenes. The use of projections of Curie’s writing is poignant in grounding the musical in reality and displaying the incredible amount of work Curie dedicated to her experiments.
Overall, the musical is easy to follow and enjoy, however, there is a lack of development in Marie’s relationship with her husband Pierre, portrayed by Thomas Josling, and daughter Irene. While there is intention here, with Irene, played by Lucy Young, appearing at various moments in the musical to read her mother’s journals aloud, Marie’s interactions with her family are short-lived. While this is refreshing as so often historical women are reduced solely to their roles as wives and mothers, the presence of Pierre and Irene made the absence of character development more prominent.
This musical has an incredible amount of potential and will surely attract audiences longing to gain better insight into the famous figure so many know, yet don’t truly understand.
Runs until 28 July 2024
The Reviews Hub Score
A new light
