REVIEW: THE MAN WHO WOULDN’T BE MURDERED by Lily Blundell & CUMTS at Lion and Unicorn 16 – 20 Aug / Camden Fringe
‘This new feather in their cap, is a show which should go far’ ★★★★ ½
The Man Who Wouldn’t Be Murdered is a new musical by Lily Blundell and Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society, based on the true story of Michael Malloy who survived multiple attempts on his life.
It’s 1932 and New York is in the throes of prohibition. Tony Morino who owns a speakeasy in the Bronx is selling bathtub gin, but his business is failing, so he and three friends hatch a plan to take out life insurance on Michael Malloy, kill him and claim the money. Malloy seems the perfect target, a new employee, a good for nothing drunk, but miraculously, he survives nearly all their attempts.
The story is very clearly and entertaining told but the real joy of this new jazz musical is the hummable tunes which stay in the head. The voices of the cast are excellent with some really delightful harmonies. A special mention to Marie-Ange Camara in the role of Death. She has stunning vocals and also that extra sparkle in her wickedly sensuous performance. Other cast members also have big stage personalities which help to give the show extra polish. Although Jude Ashcroft as Michael Malloy could afford to engage with the audience a little more, he certainly played the drunk with aplomb.
A massive shout out to musical director Drew Sellis on keys. The overall sound was very well accomplished without any need for other instruments. However, who knows whether the composer, Lily Blundell might want to add a fuller sound. The piano seemed the perfect accompaniment to show off the singers and give their talents a chance to shine.
Above all, praise to writer/composer/lyricist Lily Blundell, who is a third-year undergraduate music student at Cambridge University, who previously trained at East 15 Acting School. The show was premiered in 2021 and was an immediate hit. Seen here at the Camden Fringe coming in at just one hour, it is a show which could easily be expanded to a full evening of entertainment in a larger venue.
CUMTS has previously brought SiX and On Your Bike (Best New Musical, Edinburgh 2021) to much critical acclaim. This new feather in their cap, is a show which should go far.
THE MAN WHO WOULDN’T BE MURDERED by Lily Blundell & Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society at Lion and Unicorn 16 – 20 Aug 8.30pm / Camden Fringe
Box Office https://camden.ssboxoffice.com/events/the-man-who-wouldnt-be-murdered/
Cast
Death – Marie-Ange Camara
Tony Morino – Jamie Ellis
Pasquire – Charlotte Dargan
Barman – Aisha Wheatley
Michael Malloy – Jude Ashcroft
Josephine – Annie Stedman
Ensemble – Kate South, Isabel May
Production Team
Writer/Composer – Lily Blundell
Director – Izzy Grout
Musical Director / Keys – Drew Sellis
Producer – Jonathan Black
Reviewed by Heather Jeffery, Editor of London Pub Theatres Magazine
We are very proud to announce that LONDON PUB THEATRES MAGAZINE is now an OFFIE AWARD WINNING publication
A ONEOFF Special Award has been awarded to London Pub Theatres Magazine and Editor Heather Jeffery for providing a vital forum for highlighting the excellent work that happens in rooms in pubs, with sensitive editing, and an acute sense of the importance of tiny fringe venues to the health and development of British Theatre