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‘Xanadu is glitter-soaked, joy filled chaos – and it absolutely works!’
‘A roller skating burst of pure theatrical dopamine’
In the hands of the third-year ECMT students, this knowingly ridiculous, joy-soaked musical Xanadu becomes something even more satisfying; a celebration of commitment. Because Xanadu only works if everyone involved leans all the way in, and here, they absolutely do.
It’s also worth acknowledging the sheer technical feat on display; this cast had to sing, act, dance and roller skate simultaneously, and they do so with impressive expertise, confidence, and very little visible fear.
Based on the cult 1980 film, the story follows struggling artist Sonny Malone, whose mural dreams are interrupted by the sudden appearance of Kira, who is, of course, not just a muse, but Clio, a Greek goddess sent to inspire him. What follows is a gloriously chaotic collision of mythology, roller disco, forbidden love, and just enough self-awareness to keep the whole thing buoyant rather than baffling.
Director and choreographer Michael Ralph understands the assignment. There is no attempt to ‘ground’ the material or apologise for its absurdity, instead, he embraces it fully, crafting a production that is fast-paced, sharply comic, and visually dynamic. The choreography, in particular, is a standout, energetic, clean, and joyfully stylised, making full use of the ensemble while never losing clarity of storytelling.
Musically, Peter Johns keeps things tight and vibrant. The score, packed with Electric Light Orchestra hits and disco-infused optimism, can easily tip into pastiche, but here it feels fresh and purposeful. Vocally, the cast rises to the challenge, delivering with both technical assurance and a clear sense of style.
Visually, the production is slick without being overburdened. Simon Greer’s set provides a flexible, playful canvas that supports the show’s rapid shifts in tone and location, while the lighting design by Mark Oakley adds polish and atmosphere, leaning into the neon-drenched, roller-disco aesthetic without overwhelming the action.
At the centre of it all is Neve Sargeant as Kira/Clio, who brings both sparkle and vivacity to the role, soaring through ‘Magic’ and anchors the iconic ‘Xanadu’ with luminous energy. She balances the character’s ethereal otherness with a grounded comedic instinct, ensuring Kira is not just a plot device but a genuinely engaging presence. Opposite her, Teagan Garvey’s Sonny Malone is endearingly earnest, capturing the character’s wide-eyed ambition without tipping into caricature, especially in numbers ‘Whenever You’re Away From Me and the effervescent ‘Suddenly’.
Michael Jones has a terrific time as Danny Mcguire, delivering with charisma and a knowing edge that suits the show’s meta humour perfectly.
But it’s the villainous duo of Issy Coomber and Natalia Soares as Melpomene and Calliope who steal more than a few scenes. Their comic timing is razor-sharp, their chemistry undeniable, big vocals in ‘Evil Woman’ and their commitment to the show’s heightened style is a masterclass in how to play big without losing precision.
The muses, too, are a highlight; Allycia Angeles (Erato), Laura Henderson (Euterpe), Samuel Cannizzaro (Terpsichore), and Lorenzo Ravida (Thalia) help drive the exuberant opening number ‘I’m Alive’ and ‘All Over the World’, each carving out distinct, memorable moments, contributing to a cohesive and vibrant ensemble dynamic.
And it is that ensemble that ultimately lifts the production. There is a palpable sense of joy on stage, an understanding of the show’s tone and a shared commitment to delivering it with energy, clarity, and a touch of chaos.
Because Xanadu isn’t about perfection. It’s about permission; to be silly, to be bold, to lean into the glitter rather than shy away from it.
This production gets that. And runs with it, on wheels!
Bravo 3rd years!
4.5 stars
Lia Loves.
