Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World: The Musical, The Other Palace Review
Photo: Ellie Kurtz
Written by Eleanor for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.
This musical is based on a series of books, the Fantastically Great Women…, by Kate Pankhurst. Distantly related to Emmeline Pankhurst, Kate was inspired by some of the incredibly inspiring women of the past and wanted to share their stories. This show takes some of the key figures she discusses in her books and gives them new life in this colourful and musical stage production. Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World has already undertaken two UK tours and summer seasons at the Theatre Royal Stratford East and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and is now resident at The Other Palace in London.
This stage adaptation was created by Chris Bush with direction from Amy Hodge. The song lyrics are by Chris Bush and Miranda Cooper (who has written songs for the likes of Kylie Minogue and Girls Aloud), with music by Miranda Cooper and Jennifer Decilveo (who has worked with Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato).
Jade (Georgia Grant-Anderson), the protagonist of the story, finds herself alone in a museum after getting separated from her school group. She stumbles across the ‘Gallery of Greatness,’ which is yet to open to the public, and is willed to take a look. With a bang and a crash…enter the fantastically great women who changed the world! The ensemble of Anelisa Lamola, Charlotte Jaconelli, Meg Hateley and Elena Breschi help Jade find herself and find her voice, and in the process show how everyone has the ability to change the world. The show is very fast paced at times, including more individuals that I expected, and there are also moments that are more profound and sensitive. But it does not dwell on these serious moments for too long. The show is great for families, with the content tailored for a broad audience.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World includes a very vivid and rich cast of characters who drew me in and were very entertaining. I was immediately drawn to Elena Breschi as Sacagawea and Frida Kahlo. Her energy on stage was so animated and I loved how she engaged with the audience and with Georgia. Anelisa Lamola was the perfect introduction to the world as Amelia Earhart but also deeply moved the audience as Rosa Parks. I love seeing Charlotte Jaconelli on stage and she is great here in her range of roles. A particular stand out was her short number as Jane Austen; brilliantly performed and in a style which really fit with the character. Meg Hateley was also great fun, especially as Agent Fifi. She, and the rest of the cast, looked like they were just having the most fun on stage, which really rubbed off on the audience. Georgia Grant-Anderson as Jade was believably naive and wonderfully funny. I found myself rooting for her from the very start and, although she does not get the most satisfying ending, she really helped progress the story with her hope and humour.
The set and costumes for this musical were both designed by Joanna Scotcher. The set was bright, adaptive and engaging, with the band being within full view for the whole show. The costumes were somewhat simple (mostly due to the need for quick changes) but very varied. Some historical characters were dressed recognisably, such as Jane Austen, others have been refashioned, such as Emmeline Pankhurst. One sequence which stood out the most was the ‘Mary, Mary and Marie’ number. The retro/cyberpunk outfits here were a great reflection of how a child, seeing them as superheroes, would view these women. It also makes for an impactful moment when this is all stripped back.
I very much enjoyed Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World’s whole track list. Everyone gets their own song or are grouped together for a musical number based on their background or motivations. Each song has a thoughtful message and meaning. All the music was written by Miranda Cooper and Jennifer Decilveo, who previously worked in the pop industry and I can definitely hear this influence. It also makes the musical comparable to Six – with the same team producing both shows. Both musicals are very similar in their style of music, including one rap number, a ballad and a ‘megamix’ number at the end of the show which involved the audience. It was also the above-named genres which gave my two favourite songs of the evening: ‘Deeds not Words’ and ‘Rosa’s Lullaby.’ The latter in particular came at the perfect moment in the show to pause and reflect. I saw many a tear being shed throughout the audience.
Another aspect of this production not to be forgotten is the inclusion of sign language in the song ‘Where do you Wanna Go?’ and its surrounding dialogue. Its inclusion here is so important and really adds to this show’s promotion of inclusivity. I also loved when Assistant Musical Director and percussionist Nicola T. Chang took centre stage in ‘World of Colour.’ This was an inspiring moment of appreciation for the whole band, which included Audra Cramer and Isis Dunthorne.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is a vibrant, empowering and thoughtful musical that energetically brings a wide range historical female figures to life. The talented cast delivers wonderful performances, with Cooper and Decilveo’s soundtrack being particularly catchy. It reminded me of some of my favourite musicals, such as Eugenius and Six. It is its similarity to the later which does leave me wondering if the show could benefit from a more distinct identity. But it is certainly a feel-good and inspiring production which is well worth a watch.
Trigger Warnings: The show contains Loud noises, flashing lights (including one moment with a very bright light) and a small amount of audience interaction. The show does cover themes of racism and the Holocaust.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World: The Musical is playing at The Other Palace from the 25th July 2024 – 8th September 2025.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆