‘Secret Admirers’ Durham Fringe review
‘a thrilling, moving, and hilarious musical’
Secret Admirers, written by Harry Threapleton and Luke Mallon, presents a high-stakes story of love, error, and human nature in a hilariously high-tech retelling of Much Ado About Nothing. The story follows two FBI agents disillusioned with the unfulfilling roles of observing two perfectly ordinary people; however, things take a turn when they undertake the precarious mission of matchmaking and end up not only finding the perfect match for their assigned people, but also themselves.
Director Moritz Afridi expertly stages not one but two shows running in tandem to portray the haunting and ever-present nature of the bureau. Yet, he leans into the hilariously high-camp nature of the show with Mallon and Threapleton’s thoroughly enjoyable musical numbers, which are catchy and have heart-warming messages. The comedic yet introspective nature of the musical is only enhanced by Lucy Parkinson’s adept choreography, as well as Luke Mallon’s musical direction, which expertly portrays the duality of the world and the bureau. With atmospheric lighting, designed by Lucy Smith, and thrilling sound design too, this musical is brought to life under the management of Faith Gorton (Production Manager), Eva Ryan (Stage Manager), and Bryony Curley (Assistant Stage Manager).
Kian Standbridge is excellent as Agent 42, an initially obedient agent who plays exactly by the book. His characterisation of a somewhat awkward yet also cocksure character allows Standbridge to expertly present the disillusionment and change in his character through compelling body language and tone. His powerful voice is perfectly offset by Emma Henderson’s Skye, a bold and vibrant character wonderfully presented through choreography and voice that dominate the stage. The couple’s duets perfectly blend the pair’s powerful vocals, presenting the undeniable chemistry between the characters.
Skye and 42 are perfectly offset by the awkward charm of Adam and Lucy, with Horatio Holloway adeptly presenting the clumsy, awkward, and mundane yet loveable character of Adam, his body language and tone create a compelling underdog the audience can’t help but root for. Niamh Williams as Lucy provides a moving portrayal of the sweet and slightly awkward girl-next-door; Williams’ beautiful voice only enhances her character through wonderfully compelling songs that expertly capture her growing confidence and shift in character. And last but by no means least, the hilarious ensemble: Rhiannon Morgan and Luna Oladiji expertly tackle the multiple characters they present, each one funnier than the next, with Oladiji’s beautiful voice creating an array of breathtaking harmonies, offset by Morgan’s powerful voice and even stronger comedy.
The writers, cast, and crew have created a thrilling, moving, and hilarious musical exploring themes of agency and love that is thoroughly enjoyable, with the audience consistently breaking out in fits of giggles - I found myself grinning from start to finish.
By Aaliyah Angir.
Secret Admirers is showing at the Assembly Rooms Theatre on Sunday 27th July at 20:30.