REVIEW: MOLE MAN at Lion and Unicorn Theatre 28 July – 1 August 2026
‘A playful new musical which charms and entertains, these worms can certainly sing.’ ★★★ ½
Laura Harris and The Makers Theatre present MOLE MAN THE MUSICAL. Set in the subterranean, a family of worms faces an ever growing problems from mole man. A sinkhole has opened up above them and well, mole’s eat worms, don’t they. Mole Man is put on trial in a court, presided over by Fly Man and the worms are elated when their enemy is officially evicted. However, it’s not really about a mole, it’s about man, and global warming, or at least that was my reading of the show. So, the worms have not really won the battle, they face a far greater threat. It is very topical but far from being gloomy, this new musical is a lot of fun.
The book by Laura Robyn Harris and James John Barlow, is highly original, probably the only one of its kind. If anyone wonders where the inspiration came from, it’s a nod to the true story of William Lyttle, a man who dug extensive tunnels under his London home in De Beauvoir, Dalston.
The Music and Lyrics by Laura Robyn Harris give plenty of opportunity to show off the singers whilst giving worms their Attenborough moment (okay they don’t have sex, but they are made quite appealing). There’s a lot of comedy to be had, when playing the part of an invertebrate creatures who, in the words of the song, are able to do a ‘Long, Long, Wriggle Underground.’ Also, one worm split into two, because worms can do that. Nothing too serious here, you live, you die. The ironies are loud and strong, and the audience laps them up with bursts of laughter.
The cast, many of whom are alumni of the World Record holding NewsRevue (at Canal Café Theatre) have excellent musical theatre skills. The cast lean into the comical aspect of the show really well, and it is this inspired zaniness which makes it the perfect show for fringe festivals.
It would be good to tidy up the dance routines and give more personality to some of the characters. It’s a low budget show, so don’t expect fancy costumes. But having said that, its home made appearance and general messiness is part of its charm and fresh faced appeal. It’s hard to say whether this musical might have a life beyond the fringe, with few really memorable tunes, these worms might have found their perfect habitat in small scale studio theatre.
Keep in touch with the company:
Instagram/TikTok: @molemanmusical
www.themakerstheatre.co.uk
CAST AND CREATIVES
Music and Lyrics by Laura Robyn Harris
Book by Laura Robyn Harris and James John Barlow
Musical Supervisor: Andy Campbell Smith
Story Advisors: Lauren Lucy Cook, Jessica Barrett
Ensemble
Alice Gold
Guido Garcia Lueches
Lauren Lucy Cook
Laura Robyn Harris
Leo Clasen
featuring Lani Calvert
