A new musical, 'FLYBY,' is currently taking flight at Southwark Playhouse Borough, presenting a narrative that orbits a self-doubting astronaut, Daniel, and his complicated connection with filmmaker Emily. The production, which runs until May 16th, delves into the psychological underpinnings of Daniel's journey into space, a move apparently spurred by a desire for distance from his past relationship. The musical stages Daniel's ambition for space travel against the backdrop of his fraught personal life, exploring the psychological unraveling driven by his relationship with Emily and his own internal struggles.
The performances of Stuart Thompson as Daniel and Poppy Gilbert (or Poppy Baker, as referred to in one report) as Emily have been highlighted as central to the production. Critics note their natural presence and engaging portrayal of a relationship described as "passionate, combustible" and marked by Emily's "bullying and aggression" towards Daniel. The musical reportedly uses song to shed light on the "cruelties inflicted on Daniel during his earlier years," seeking to contextualize his endurance of Emily's behavior.
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Further layers to the narrative emerge through Emily's background. She is presented as the daughter of an "avant-garde filmmaker notorious for creating the most disturbing children’s film of all time," a legacy that appears to have shaped her own artistic pursuits and potentially contributed to her "childhood traumas." The musical weaves between past and present, aiming to unravel the "tangled forces" influencing Daniel's odyssey and Emily's own grappling with "talent, ambition, and moral ambiguity."
The production also features three narrators, portrayed by Rupert Young, Gina Beck, and Simbi Akande. Their roles, however, have been described as somewhat underdeveloped, offering a commentary that is "vaguely professorial." These performers also briefly step into the roles of Emily’s parents. The casting of these high-profile performers in what is essentially ensemble work has been noted as particularly notable. Theo Jamieson's musical score, characterized by "beautiful string-led music," accompanies this exploration of distance, self-doubt, and intricate relationships.
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Directed by Adam Lenson, whose previous work includes 'Cable Street' and 'Superhero,' 'FLYBY' represents a venture into a new musical narrative that promises an "otherworldly voyage" of considerable strangeness.
