** This review may contain spoilers **
Last night an updated version of Andrew Lippa’s musical ‘John & Jen’ had its first preview at the Southwark Playhouse to a standing ovation. It was a delight to be back in one of my favourite off-West End theatres to go on a rollercoaster ride of emotions with this show.
The plot
The musical tells the story of Jen’s relationship with the two John’s in her life; one being her brother, and the other her son. Growing up in an abusive household, Jen promises to always protect her little brother, who is seven years younger than her. Both face very different paths, and the once-close siblings drift apart. Jen becomes involved in peace movements against the war, whilst John enlists in the military and is killed in action.
Previous versions of this show spanned across the years 1952-1990. As this version now takes place between 1985-2022, the war John dies in is the Iraq War. I felt like you could really tell at some parts how this show was originally set during the Vietnam War. The book has, however, been updated to make more recent political references which has given the material a new life.
The second part of the show focuses on how Jen handles the grief and immense guilt she feels. She views her son as a new opportunity to make up for the fact she couldn’t protect her younger brother. Through him, she creates a living and breathing memorial to the brother she lost. In turn, her son also struggles to live up to the expectations that come with being named after the uncle he never knew.
The cast and creatives
It is always a joy to see Rachel Tucker in anything. It was wonderful seeing her play Jen at different stages in her life. Lewis Cornay, who plays both versions of John, was equally as magnificent. The two had so much chemistry and worked well together to depict two different kinds of family relationships that are both imperfect and realistic.
I am a huge Andrew Lippa fan! He knows how to create some of the most beautiful melodies I have ever heard. Some of his other work includes The Wild Party, A Little Princess, and Big Fish. The latter I saw in London a few years ago and, because they added some new songs and reshuffled others, I am forever crying about how London never got a cast recording. The director, Guy Retallack, also really utilises every corner of the small space he has to bring this musical to life.
What moments were a highlight?
During act one, a standout moment was Lewis Cornay performing a song called “Trouble With Men”. It’s a comical and energetic number that really gave Cornay a chance to shine early on. It deservingly received the first applause of the evening. Another powerful moment I adored was Rachel Tucker performing “The Road Ends Here” which is a heartbreaking ballad about lessons learned from loss, and understanding that you must eventually move on.
“Bye Room” and “Talk Show” were two scenes that I also really enjoyed. It was lovely seeing the way that Tucker and Cornay bounced off each other so seamlessly. The second song was a really fun way to break down Jen and John’s rocky mother/son relationship.
How was the theatre experience?
Lastly, I would just like to give some well-deserved praise to the Southwark Playhouse and all of their staff. My first show back after the shutdown last year was The Last Five Years at the very same theatre. The staff here have remained just as dedicated to keeping us all safe.
Of course the restrictions have been loosened since I was last there, but if you are attending please remember to try and keep your distance, use hand sanitiser regularly, and wear a face mask. This theatre has a really lovely bar area, so I would also consider getting there a little early to get yourself a nice refreshing drink!
Final thoughts
John & Jen is a truly wonderful little gem of a show exploring family dynamics, grief, healing, adolescence, and parenthood. This cast of only two people, and the four musicians that accompany them, will take you on a raw and emotional journey over the course of two hours. So I ask you, if you don’t already have tickets… why not?
Are you going to see any theatre soon? Let me know in the comments!