Closer To Heaven, Turbine Theatre Review
Written by Philip for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
Jonathan Harvey’s racy, zany musical, Closer to Heaven debuted in 2001 with songs by the Pet Shop Boys and mixed reviews. Fast forward to 2024 and the big issue the show faces still isn’t fixed. The plot. There are many different stories being told at the same time. Unfortunately, most are just strands of a story that never really give the full picture. But all is most definitely not lost.
The first act sets the scene for a myriad of plots, Shell’s reunion with her father, Vic who abandoned her when she was small after coming out as gay. Vic’s substance addiction. Shell’s love affair with aptly named ‘Straight Dave’ who we quickly realise isn’t as straight as he claims as he gets involved with the local drug dealer ‘Mile End Lee’ leading to a love triangle. ‘Straight Dave’ also wants a record deal from slimy producer, Bob Saunders, who is Shell’s boss. Dave also has a job as a backing dancer for Billie Trix at Vic’s club. As you can probably tell, all of the characters are connected in a web of plots. Although in theory there is a lot of plot to delve into, many are barely touched on. You get a snippet of someone’s life being moving on to a different subject entirely. The cast really tries their best with what they are given and fight to take the audience on an emotional journey.
One storyline does, however, buck the trend. The love between Dave and Lee. It starts with simple glances across the space. It grows from a single spark to an almighty flame. That is where the heart of Closer to Heaven is hidden. It truly makes us care.
The story takes a turn in act 2 that is relatively obvious which is a shame as you could had the same result with a less recognisable journey.
The cast are absolutely glorious. Frances Ruffelle is eccentric and exhilarating as host and washed up rocker star, Billie Trix. She is reminiscent of Emcee from Cabaret while commenting less on the politics of the time and more on how she can stay high. Glenn Adamson is charming and likeable as ‘Straight Dave’. He goes from a loveable boy next door type to a man in love. Courtney Bowman is an absolute knockout. Her vocals are insane. An epic talent. She makes you feel her pain in the more upsetting moments. But the stand out performance of the night is a fairly understated one. Connor Carson gives grit and emotion to ‘Mile End Lee’. You see his struggle with how others view him and his need to be loved.
The Turbine Theatre is a completely transformed space for Closer to Heaven, by designer David Shields, with the stage cascading into the auditorium and traditional seating replaced with cabaret tables. It is a clever use of the space and helps create the club environment. Combined with skilful lighting designed by Jack Weir, the venue really does set the scene. Weir uses lots of lasers and neon bars to create the atmosphere of a bustling club and for moments of drug induced highs.
Although Harvey’s writing does leave somewhat to be desired, director Simon Hardwick battles admirably to make the audience feel for the characters and care about the plot. Ultimately though the writing does let the show down. It feels uneven and lacking a little substance. The music is very in keeping with the synth sound of the Pet Shop Boys which is fused together with more traditional musical theatre. The musical numbers are chaotic and camp. Christopher Tendai matches the music with sexy high energy choreography.
Overall Closer to Heaven is a good night out and definitely not one to miss if you are a fan of the high camp musicals and the Pet Shop Boys.
Closer to Heaven is playing at the Turbine Theatre until 30th June 2024.
☆ ☆ ☆.5
