Versatile themes within a 1797 poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe are creatively adapted, bringing audiences this online musical version of Richard Hough’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, which was filmed at Southwark Playhouse, writes Carolyn Hart Taylor.
Climate change is explored in this musical delight by cleverly utilising magician Johan Gottel (David Thaxton) and his rebellious daughter, Eva(Mary Moore) to dramatise environmental urgency by inviting us into Midgard, a town overlooked by the Northern Lights, with the only hope being a magical spell.
Ominously dark staging alerts viewers to imminent danger, the majestic lights are fading, drained by endlessly supplying the town’s energy. Refusing to acknowledge the perilous situation is the dastardly, and rich, Fabian Lyddecker (Marc Pickering), who is intent on progress and profits. A cast of labouring mine workers in flat caps and braces resemble a chain gang.
Magician Johan expresses his despair in song as the Northern Lights lose their luminosity, while unable, though, to acknowledge his blind disregard towards his daughter, which leaves Eva to sing: ‘ Man who sees himself at one with Mother Nature, he’s not at one with me’.
Meanwhile, snobbish Lyddeker, mollycoddled by staff fussing around him, is no match for his diamond and pearl-lavished mother Lamia Lyddecker(Dawn Hope), powerfully singing, ‘Everybody knows mother knows best’, and ‘You took so much away from me’.
The pared-down sets remind us to focus on what’s at stake, to listen to lyrics telling of greed, warning, separation, love, hope, and reunion, all of which are witnessed in the magical number, Spellbound, with its enchanting dance of brooms and puppetry.
Despite good versus evil threads, the musical delves deeper, exploring issues of division between characters. Their warring adds tension, blocking the very light they strive to see restored. As Eva sings her heart out for fatherly recognition, his distrust in her capabilities delays her journey as magician’s apprentice. Luckily her determination pushes through. After all, Midgard needs their combined magical input to save light and keep the town thriving.
Definitely worth catching this magical musical and its interesting take on an important issue.
The performance is 2 hours (plus interval).
Times: Until 11th April 2021 Monday to Saturday at 7pm, Matinees Tuesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2.30pm. Admission: £10 for the first showing on 26 Jan then £15 (+ £3 transaction fee).
Images: Geraint Lewis