REVIEW: SHOUT The Mod Musical at Upstairs at the Gatehouse 25 June – 20 July 2025
‘a fab reminder of the rise of feminism and the iconic songs of the 60s and 70s’ ★★★ ½
If anyone is expecting this musical to be the story of Lulu they will be mistaken as the title refers to the name of a magazine. I’d never heard of it, and confusingly the only magazine of that name that I could find on google is from the 90s. The good news is that this 60s and 70s Juke Box musical includes Lulu’s iconic number, Shout, so no disappointment there.
Another possible surprise is for anyone who is expecting pure nostalgia through their rose-tinted glasses, they might need to think again. With a strong feminist angle and five female performers the emphasis is on women growing up, in that pocket of time with the expectations, the pressures and the inevitable changes in culture that they encounter. Some of it is quite painful. There is a nifty idea, which runs through the production, of an agony aunt giving advice in a voice over. As each of the girls ask their question, the answers shockingly encourage women to obey stereotypes, stay at home, get married, and make sacrifices of themselves.
Whilst many of the major events in these years were rightly highlighted with vignettes including Beatlemania, and the decriminalization of homosexuality; the jokes fell flat. The punchlines are simply too unpalatable for today’s audiences.
The real strength of the show is the songs. The cast all have pleasing voices, doing the numbers justice, perfect for a singalong. Don’t by shy, get in there with your toes tapping, your hands clapping and if you can remember the words … there are a few performances which encourage audience participation … get into the groove.
The costume department have worked overtime to provide fabulous costumes and wigs for the six performers. With a kaleidoscope of colourful mini dresses and trouser suits to change into, at breakneck speed, the cast must have been flying round backstage to make their unexpected entrances on all sides, a magical feat of organisation.
The on-stage band also deserves praise, although sometimes the instruments drowned out the voices of the performers, so the mixing is not always perfect. It’s easy to forgive and just enjoy the high energy, and the constant bursting into song. Don’t expect character development, a strong story line or high emotion. Do expect feminism to triumph and to be reminded of the fabulous female singer of the period. We salute them, Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark, Cilla Black, Sandie Shaw and of course Lulu (only 15 when she recorded Shout). Then let’s not forget the composers either, with some particularly famous names, Burt Bacharach and Neil Sedaka. All the songs are memorable but a couple, Son of a Preacher Man and Downtown, particularly stood out for me.
So, which song is going around my head this morning? I Only Wanna Be With You … Dusty Springfield’s version of course.
SHOUT The Mod Musical at Upstairs at the Gatehouse 25 June – 20 July 2025
CAST
Gabrielle Cummins, Isabella Mason, Lauren Allan, Lauren Bimson, Madeleine Doody and Sophie Ingoldsby
VOICE OVER
Pippa Winslow
CREATIVES
Authors – Phillip George and David Lowenstein
Director – Joseph Hodges
Choreographer – Jay Gardner
Musical Director – Gabrielle Ball
Lighting Designer – Jack Hathaway
Sound Designer – Phil Wilson
Company and Stage Manager – Amy Spall
Wig and Hair designer – James Davies
MUSICIANS
Jay Gardner - Keys
