Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, Thurs 31 Mar
Only The Brave is a landmark production for Wales Millennium Centre, for the first time creating an original musical on their main stage. In this co-production with the Soho Theatre, Daniel Sparrow Productions and Birdsong Productions, they bring an emotional story from World War Two to life telling the true story of the Airborne division, who were recruited 1943, and eventually led a crucial part of the D-Day operations. It’s a brave (pardon the pun) topic for an original musical, and a testament to the strength and originality of both the creative team and British musical theatre writing in what they achieve.
The story follows the mission undertaken by the airmen, landing behind enemy lines in occupied France. A company is needed ahead of the planned D-Day invasion to capture Benouville Bridge in northern France and keep it in tact so that British forces can use it once they invade. Meanwhile French resistance forces in the occupied small town are risking their lives feeding information to British intelligence, and the wives of the men involved are working in telegram offices, relaying information about the war. It’s a lot to take in over the course of a musical, and some of the finer points of plot do become a little lost in the telling. That said it’s rare that a writing team gives such care and attention to historical detail in this medium, and the writers of Only The Brave have set the bar high in this respect.
Such intricate writing is not saved for the book, but also reflected in the music. From soaring company numbers to delicate ballads, the emotion of the piece is found in the music. And while there is a period feel to the music, the musical writing feels fresh and new. There are some standout numbers in the performance-the company’s energy in Training for example, and the power of the title number Only The Brave show the strength of the musical writing.
The cast more than rises to the challenge of such a big musical, with David Thaxton as Captain John Howard showed once again what a powerhouse of a voice he has and that he is capable of emotional, nuanced performance. Caroline Sheen was equally brilliant vocally, as well Neil McDermott and Nikki Mae-who was utterly heart-breaking as resistance fighter Isabelle. The company worked tirelessly, and even this early on worked as a wonderfully in sync group-particular mention to the ‘Platoon’ who have the most physically and vocally challenging combinations. Director Steve Marmion brings the whole piece together expertly, making use of some clever projections-from a tank looming over the stage, to the stark outline of the bridge the narrative focuses on. Some simple staging with interlocking steps and platforms was all the staging needed to bring to life everything from a nightclub to the battlefields.
Only The Brave is a brave and clever musical that does justice to its serious subject matter while giving audiences an engaging and emotional evening.
words EMILY GARSIDE, photos HELEN MAYBANKS