Image Source: City Theatre
Show: Destiny
Location: The Black-E, Liverpool
Date: Thursday December 2, 2021
Time: 19.30
Running Time: 135 minutes (including 15-minute interval)
Age Rating: 6+
Performers: Holly Murphy, Victoria Leopold, Shaun Herr, Peter Sebastian, Johnny Sedgwick-Davies, Demi Leigh Wilson, Leo Hewitson, Anna Chan
Production Company: City Theatre
Writer: Barry Levy
This is our review for Destiny at Liverpool’s The Black-E. So, lets take a look at Destiny!
Background
With Christmas fast approaching, theatregoers in Liverpool are spoilt for choice in terms of the array of festive shows on offer across the city. In their inaugural panto ‘Destiny’, City Theatre group deliver a quirky, sci-fi twist on the classic tale of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. The company describe themselves as having ‘an open spirit’, with the cast a mixture of drama students, experienced performers and individuals who just love to perform. So, whilst the show may be a little rough around the edges, its packed with plenty of fun, enthusiasm, and heart that is sure to keep the audience entertained.
Synopsis
‘Destiny’ draws inspiration from both ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ and American sci-fi series ‘Quantum Leap’ to create a fun family adventure that is a bit of deviation from the conventional panto.
The story begins in the year 2034. Elite scientists Destiny Sinclair (Holly Murphy) and Fate Lewis (Victoria Leopold) on a mission to prove the legitimacy of their time-travel invention.
However, when Destiny prematurely steps into the project accelerator (Quantum Leap fans may get this reference), she finds herself transported back in time and into the body of humble country girl, Rose.
Over the course of the show, Destiny must fulfil her mission to ensure that Rose gets her happy ending with the charming Jack (Shaun Herr) and that they make it safely up – and back down – the beanstalk.
Along the way, Destiny crosses paths with the eccentric Dame Velma (Peter Sebastian), lovable buffoon Dougal (Johnny Sedgwick-Davies) and malevolent time-travel rival Dr Reigns (Anna Chan).
The plot is admittedly quite convoluted. If, like me, you’ve never seen ‘Quantum Leap’, you may find yourself a little bit lost amongst the sci-fi jargon and dimension-shifting capers.
That being said, if you suspend your disbelief, there are plenty of gags, musical numbers and traditional panto tropes (even a sci-fi panto wouldn’t be complete without a ‘He’s behind you!’) to inspire plenty of festive fun.
Analysis
The most striking thing about the show is the energy and exuberance of the cast. A diverse mix of ages and backgrounds, there’s not a member of the company who doesn’t give it beans. No pun intended.
Holly Murphy shines as Destiny. Decked out in a sequin jumpsuit, she creates a protagonist who is both witty and endearing. Notably, her performance of the Pocahontas classic ‘Colours of the Wind’ is a vocal highlight.
As love interest Jack, Shaun Herr is full of cheeky-chappy charm. His duet of Frozen’s ‘Love is an Open Door’ with Murphy is particularly well-received by the younger members of the audience.
Demi Leigh Wilson is brilliant as ditsy inventor Skye McFly. Also, her evil creation Fleshcreep (Leo Hewitson) gets plenty of laughs for his sinister portrayal.
Undoubtedly though, Peter Sebastian steals the show in his role as the archetypal pantomime dame. Dame Velma has a look reminiscent of Edna Everage, and quickly builds up a great rapport with the audience.
Barry Levy’s wacky script is interspersed with lots of toe-tapping musical numbers. This includes opener ‘The Show Must Go On’ and Rembrandts’ classic ‘I’ll Be There for You’.
If you’re looking for flashy sets and special effects, then this is not the show for you. The Black-E is an intimate space, and the scenery is minimal.
There were also a few opening night blips that maybe need ironing out, with prompt Abi Lunn being called into action on a couple of occasions.
However, the cast weren’t phased by any little mistakes and even had the audience on their feet for the finale.
Summary
‘Destiny’ is perhaps not as slick or high-tech as some of its regional panto counterparts. That being said, the energy of the cast is infectious, and the show has something for all the family. If you’re looking for something a bit different to your usual Christmas offering, then get down to the Black-E for a bit of festive fun.
Notes
Target Audience: 6+
Content: No Content Likely To Offend
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 7.5/10 – Good
Destiny continues at The Black-E until Saturday December 4th 2021. To buy tickets, click here.
