Bereavement: the Musical

An unapologetic Broadway pastiche, Bereavement: the Musical seeks to present a weighty subject through an unconventional frame of lighthearted humour. Six musical vignettes of individuals dealing with the fallout of recent bereavements are interspersed with some general ruminations on "life's unavoidable tragedy," and while the show makes a spirited attempt to explore the complex personal effects of grief, it's ultimately hard to discern an overall narrative.

An uncomfortably believable portrayal of a businesswoman relying on work to distract her from her mother's death is both funny and touching, while a 15 year-old boy wondering ‘Is it wrong to have a wank when your mum’s dead?’ may evoke a few cheap laughs, but manages to be almost agonisingly honest. However, some characters rely too heavily on shallow sentimentality and lack the irreverence which makes others more entertaining and memorable.

Composer Jeff Carpenter's original piano score is sparkling and engaging throughout, conveying a well-balanced sense of playfulness and sentiment, and is certainly the most polished element of this production. This is supported by good use of the bare set, minimal props and skillful lighting. But while the cast are broadly able to hold a tune, some seem to struggle during their solo pieces, and the group numbers lack a sense of co-ordination and balance. But stand-out vocal performances by Rosie Brown and Will Karani are genuinely spine-tingling.

This is an innovative, unusual and engaging production featuring some excellent technical achievements, unfortunately let down slightly by a muddled narrative which fails to play to its own strengths.