Mrs Beeton Says

Redgrave Theatre ★★★★I

THERE’S always a frisson of excitement about a new musical premiere and Mrs Beeton Says has all the ingredients to go on and have a future life. Eamonn O’Dwyer and Helen Watts, commissioned by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, have created a chamber musical about the life and works of Isabella Beeton; Victorian journalist, writer and homemaker extraordinaire, and creator of Mrs Beeton’s Book Of Household Management, the first textbook on how to run a home.

There has been much recent discussion on the dearth of homegrown musicals, so this new model from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School should be applauded. It’s a gentle work, with gentle melodies, although it’s Sunday teatime feel hides a powerful feminist message. Beeton, with her zeal and neverending optimism, not only created a book that became a brand, but gave women the shot that not only could they become better cooks and homemakers, but there was more to achieve as well.

Here the women are crafted as forces of nature, driven, hardworking, great friends and with a never-give-up countenance. The gents don’t stand a chance, weakwilled chancers, hustlers and sleazes who profit on their wives’ weary devotion.

As the titular character Beshlie Thorp shines. She makes decency interesting on stage, a tricky task for anyone, and is one to watch out for moving forward. The rest of the female ensemble; Anna-Kate Golding, Karla Kaucky, Eva O’Hara and Heidi Parsons also all get their moments to shine and the vocal harmonies produced are strong. The men are slightly shakier, but Lawrence Haynes has a strong tenor and a playful stage presence in a multitude of roles.

Paul Clarkson’s production is confident and ever-aware of the shifting moods and plays out fluidly on Bronia Houseman’s multifunctional set.

It’s impossible not to be charmed by this new musical, whose palette ranges from Gilbert & Sullivan to Sondheim, and, rare in a new musical, has tunes you come out humming. Fingers crossed O’Dwyer and Watts receive the best Christmas present of all this year and this little gem gets a future life.

Mrs Beeton Says is at the Redgrave Theatre until December 13.