Reviewed at Bristol Old Vic
Oh wow. To say we were bowled over by this clever, funny, fast-moving and totally charming comedy musical would be an understatement. It’s the best fun we’ve seen on stage in a long time, with a cast that are as talented and entertaining as they come and songs that’ll stick in your head for days.
Kathy (Bronté Barbé) and Stella (Rebekah Hinds) are the unlikely hosts of Hull’s little-known amateur sleuthing and true-crime podcast.
Both are misfits who bonded at school aged 10 over their obsession with crime and ‘morbid murder’.
Kathy’s an anxiety-ridden people pleaser and Stella is an under-achieving fu*k-up who thinks she can only find happiness and acceptance in ‘The Approval of Strangers’.
Their dream of becoming global podcast superstars seems to come true as they become ‘part of the story’ when their favourite true crime author Felicia Taylor is murdered. The pair attempt to crack the case amidst madcap mayhem. They belt out brilliant songs (bursting with up to the minute, quick-witted lyrics). Or they croon out tunes that are touching, funny and tearful all in one.
When the audience wasn’t laughing, we had grins on our faces (I checked). And the only time we weren’t grinning, we were wiping away a stray tear or two as the pair celebrated their co-dependence in ‘If I Didn’t Have You (I Would Die)’
Both Barbé and Hinds are super-tuneful singers with amazing voices that complement one-another perfectly. Their singing diction is spot-on, too, ensuring we can follow every word of the story. They’re also incredible actors who make their performance seem effortless (a superior talent to have).
The whole cast is cracking, in fact. Jodie Jacobs as Felicia et al storms the stage, flitting between flamboyant author and cockney detective with ease and style. TJ Lloyd as Justin (and mum) and Imelda Warren-Green as Erica are a hoot. And Jacob Kohli and Sarah Pearson in the ensemble bring constant energy to the stage.
The band, creative and production team deserve their own accolades, too, as everything in the show comes together perfectly. But most of all, it’s a fun, fantastic night out. And if you want the chance to laugh out loud and be left with a warm, fuzzy feeling over the power of friendships, then you’ve just got to hot-foot it to see this show.
Photos by Ellie Kurttz
Kathy & Stella solve a murder is brought to you by the team behind Fleabag, Francesca Moody Productions , Kater Gordon, Wessex Grove and Fiery Angel, in association with Bristol Old Vic
Tickets from Bristol Old Vic – on until Saturday 30 September and then touring.