INTERVIEW | Dean Johnson & Hiba Elchikhe, LIFT Musical

LIFT is an exciting new musical that is heading to Southwark Playhouse on 13 May for the first time in ten years.

Developed by Perfect Pitch, LIFT is set in a lift in the London underground, inside one man's imagination, on its way to the surface in one minute. In the 54 seconds of the lift's passage, we are taken on a much longer journey that reveals the people behind the masks they wear, the secrets they dare not speak, and the unrealised connections between them. I spoke to LIFT's director Dean Johnson and Hiba Elchikhe who will be undertaking the role of secretary in its limited run.

Audiences coming to see this production may not know much about the show which hasn't been seen on stage in the UK since a limited season back in 2013 at the Soho Theatre. Dean Johnson explains how a lot of the themes presented back then can be applied in a more modern world in this new production, "LIFT is really about trying to connect, communicate and discover who you are amongst a vast population." Reflecting on our world 10 years later Johnson goes on to say that "It is a much more universal issue with how the internet has grown. This new production explores those challenges in a tangible and digital space."

Hiba's first introduction to the production was largely through the soundtrack, "I remember hearing about Julie Atherton and of course Cynthia Ervio. I admire both of these artists and that's what made me listen to the soundtrack. It had the incredible music of Craig Adam's and that's what attracted me to the show."

LIFT is a musical that is all about its characters and Dean Johnson acknowledges their importance. "We have a brilliant cast who are bringing those characters to life." Some of that brilliant cast includes Hiba Elchikhe, Chrissie Bhima, Luke Friend, and Kayleigh McKnight. "What's amazing about the show is that there is so much room for interpretation, and each actor has brought their own unique sensibilities into the room for that to happen." However, Hiba is leaving audiences curious about her character the secretary, "I don't want to give too much away, come and watch it and you'll see." 

This is a new production that both Dean and Hiba are thrilled to be part of at Southwark Playhouse. They have worked with Craig Adams and Ian Watson to create a very reimagined version of LIFT for new audiences to enjoy. "The premise and essence of characters are essentially the same," Dean explains, "But we have brought it right up to date with a revised book and new music and orchestrations that explore the show's themes in a very 2022 sense."  Hiba is thrilled by this opportunity to work on LIFT because "Workshopping a new musical is always one of my favourite things to do, I love being part of the creative process! And to be surrounded by this incredible group of artists and creatives is the cherry on top."

LIFT has an incredibly engaging concept album you can listen to now on Spotify to give you a flavour of the show. Hiba's favourite song at the moment during rehearsals is "It's Been A Year and you aren't ready to hear Tamara Morgan in this." Whereas Dean's strongest connection is with "Lost in Translations, because the first time I ever heard it, it was exactly the song I needed to hear. Truly cathartic." Dean says this musical score "Covers a broad spectrum of relatable emotions. It delivers a few sucker punches." 

New musicals are vital in telling modernistic stories with more relevant themes to today's society. Hiba Elchikhe is herself a huge advocate for new British musicals, having made her West End debut in Everybody's Talking About Jamie, a fantastic symbol of this genre. "It's important to tell new stories and make the change we want to see in this industry. Seeing yourself in the story is soo important." This is a vision also shared by director Dean Johnson, who himself has also worked on navigating new ways to present new musicals in theatres. "The world is always in need of new stories, and our culture is improved by hearing stories that can connect with us," Dean explains, "Musicals provide a unique way of heightening those stories, and LIFT serves as a prime example. How else do you make the very British notion of 8 strangers in a lift feel emotionally compelling? We need more musicals, always, in my opinion."

So why should you come and see LIFT for its limited run at the Southwark Playhouse?

"LIFT isn't so much a traditional book musical as it is a human experience with music as a driving emotional element," says Dean, "It's full of drama, wit, and songs that make you cry. We also have an insanely good cast and some neat innovations in theatre design. What's not to love?" Hiba agrees that the "Music will be stuck in your head! The cast is fab!" She also reflects on the past two years and encourages how important it is to "come and sit in a theatre and be connected to one another."