After earning rave reviews in its UK debut last year, LIZZIE returns to Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre for a triumphant four-week run. Based on the infamous Lizzie Borden case—where she stood trial for the brutal murder of her father and stepmother in 1892—LIZZIE blends real crime and musical theatre in a loud and unapologetic way.
You may already know the famous rhyme: "Lizzie Borden took an axe..." This chant is cleverly woven into the musical from the outset. At its core, LIZZIE is a rock musical, but it is so much more than that; from tender love ballads like “If You Knew” to the ferocious Act One closer “Somebody Will Do Something.” When the cast have chance to harmonise is however where the show really shines.
This year’s all-new cast exceed the impossibly high expectation set by the 2023 cast. Leading the company is ‘Six’s’ Kayleigh McKnight, whose menacing portrayal of Lizzie perfectly captures every facet of her turbulent emotions. Her rockstar vocals shone strongest in ‘Thirteen Days in Taunton’ where it was impossible to take your eyes off her.
Although the entire cast and the all-female band are exceptional, it’s Katie Tonkinson as Alice who steals the show. Fresh off wowing audiences as Bonnie in Bonnie & Clyde, she made each and every hair on my arms stand up with her spine-tingly vocals. She is a force to be reckoned with, and is a name you should look out for.
The staging transports us to 19th century Fall River, Massachusetts. The barn like structure in which the show is staged is brought to life with clever lighting and projection design, helping move us to different locations throughout the show. It is perhaps the bests of lighting that Hope Mill have ever had, cementing their position as one of the leading producing houses in the country.
Despite its period setting, LIZZIE feels utterly contemporary, much like Hamilton in its clever use of costuming and lyrics. The blend of creative influences gives the show a timeless quality. However, one directorial choice that doesn’t quite hit the mark is the sporadic use of handheld microphones, a decision that remains puzzling even after multiple viewings. This is however a small aside from what is a truly fantastic show.
With its killer score and electrifying performances, LIZZIE is a rock opera that absolutely slays. You will be guaranteed to be humming these tunes for days, it would be a crime to miss it! LIZZIE is on at Hope Mill Theatre until 17 November 2024.
Note: My ticket was gifted. Irrespective of whether a show is gifted or bought, I always ensure that my reviews are fair and based on my honest opinion alone.