Book: Steve Brown and Justin Green
Music: Steve Brown
Lyrics: Steve Brown and Justin Green
Director: Josh Seymour
An exuberating rollercoaster of a ride through the real-life twists and turns of Yorkshire lass Viv Nicholson, who, in 1961 became an overnight sensation after her husband won £152,319 on the football pools. A young mother of 25, Viv’s vivaciousness and Diana Dors appeal made her into an overnight sensation when she famously declared, ‘I’m going to spend, spend, spend!”
This delightful musical, superbly written by Steve Brown and Justin Greene serves as an alternative humorous fairy-tale about rags to riches – and back again. What’s evident here is the fondness for its protagonist, who is presented as likeable, relatable and engaging. Director Josh Seymour brings together an imaginative and entertaining production which thoroughly warms the soul.
Based in Castleford, a humble, northern working-class mining town where life is already mapped out for its residents. With the expectancy on women to be the home makers whilst the husband works down the pit before enjoying a pint or few down the pub. Will an unexpected windfall be enough to change the course of young Viv’s life?
Viv is wonderfully played by Rachel Leskovac, our charming, wise, and funny narrator throughout, fondly observing her life played out before her, (“rolling back the years”), drawing in the audience like we’re an old friend. A lovely contrast to her younger self, nicely portrayed by Rose Galbraith, who’s Viv is excitable, wide eyed and romantic. Overwhelmed by her new-found wealth and the hangers on, whilst her values which are based on true love, are unwavering.
The pacing of the story allows for the full cycle of Viv’s sudden rise to riches and subsequent downfall. From Bruce Forsyth presenting the cheque to the overly extravagant alcohol fuelled expenditure on fancy cars and parties, which all suddenly stops with Viv stunned by an unexpected bereavement and empty pockets. These peaks and troughs are superbly played out with the clever use of props, and set pieces, brought alive by the strong company who create a series or visually interesting scenes which burst out from the stage.
A working-class girl who wants to find a lad and have some fun revels in her liberation through sex, which produces a wonderful musical interlude in a gentleman prefer blondes Marilyn Monroe esq dance sequence. The symbolism of the marital bed, a constant feature which Viv is drawn to throughout, serving as a symbolic anchor, representing the security and safety Viv constantly longs for, based on her understanding and societal expectations of being the dedicated wife. The glittery trolley filled with bottles and bottles of champagne point to the daily alcohol consumption easing Viv, uncomfortably, into the role of a middleclass Stepford wife.
Richard Brooker and Nick Lodge’s sound design is beautiful, and laces the scenes with a dreamlike quality. The gentle lullaby melancholy melodies of the past, are painfully pierced by high pitched noise as reminders of her abusive father. Designer Grace Smart creates Viv’s world with authentic time period set pieces and costumes, which play out like a 1960s annual.
The loss of her riches isn’t what concerns Viv, (“Who’s going to love me?”), but her longing for love is what’s really important to her. Albeit romantic love, which is the focus here as we don’t really delve deep enough to see the side of Viv as a mum. We can only wonder how the money, and numerous husbands in her tireless pursuit for everlasting romance had an effect on her two children, and the role they played in her life is absent.
Spend, Spend, Spend is definitely worth the spend for an end of year treat, or a way to beat the January blues. Don’t miss it!
Runs until 11th January 2025.
The Reviews Hub Score
Heart warming musical comedy
