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Between the Sheets | Crazy Coqs

Between the Sheets is an original new musical written by Joel Priest and produced by Tom Gerrard under Taylor Jay Productions. The musical follows long term couple Connor (Sonny Monaghan) and Emily (Abbie Budden) at their ninth anniversary dinner, in real time, as their initial warmth turns very cold. The musical takes an unflinching look into the self-destructive tendencies in a relationship, and how you can love someone without really liking them at all. 


The short musical, with a runtime of 55 minutes, struggles to earn its initial engagement as Connor makes an adorable yet disastrous attempt to cook for them, despite Emily's less than enthusiastic response. The musical's short runtime doesn't quite allow audiences to grasp how shaky and tense the relationship is before the big reveal; unintentionally just rendering Emily as an unlikeable character. Whilst her initial reactions are later justified, audiences aren't quite given enough time to connect with either character.


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Priest proves to be something of an incredible paradox of a writer, with certain lines becoming slightly cringey and others being striking and unforgettable quotes. Priest's script forms a shaky foundation, with a tiresome back and forth between the characters with a whiplash switching between topics and repetitive points several scenes later. Connor's (spoilers) cheating has caused the couple to drift and whilst both parties are doing all they can to reconnect, the past can not be left behind. This could have perhaps been sidestepped by showing the couple getting along or atleast reminiscing more about their good days, instead of brief passing comments and an oddly long discussion about loving one another if they were a bumble bee (which whilst funny and leads into a hilariously catchy song, takes up too much time). 


However, whilst the book portions of the musical can use some reworking, the music is faultless. With music direction by Ben Ward, the musical features seven songs, that are each brilliant in their own right, and is a huge credit to Priest. Each song, not only has a catchy tune or tender emotional depth, but have truly poetic lyrics that elevate the musical as a whole. The musical numbers are by far the best parts of the show, and would genuinely find themselves on the playlist of many a musical theatre lover.  


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This is due, of course, in large part to the performers. As a two handler musical, Abbie Budden and Sonny Monaghan each deliver brilliant performances. Between the Sheets is presented as a rehearsed reading rather than a fully staged production, yet Budden and Monaghan truly embody their characters, even going as far as to carry unseen props on their person to create authenticity. 


Budden expertly navigates between the understandably distant, vulnerable and fearful, and confrontational, in a strong performance. As the issues slowly creep in, Budden's cold exterior melts into a hurt partner, creating a painful relatability that has audience members feeling her painful as their own. Budden's sharp one-liners are masterfully dropped into the show, which speaks to her range as the warm and bubbly presence. Budden's character, Emily, is wonderful written with a complex person at its core that, sadly the script doesn't quite give enough time to explore, yet Budden pulls out the various threads, weaving them into a layered and admirable performance. Budden's vocals are, as always, touching and she has the room in a trance during her solo Over


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Monaghan gives a sensational performance that gives the show all its heart. Monaghan, perhaps unintentionally, delivers such a sincere and charming performance that despite the character's terrible actions, is still the most likeable character. Monaghan's earnest performance and commitment to the role, along with his moment of improv of introducing a purple guitar (a guitar with a paper tacked on with the word PURPLE written on it), garners the night's biggest laughs. However it's Monaghan's vocals that are the evening's highlight. His solo song Evergreen is an immediate stand out. Having seen Monaghan in his professional debut in another musical, it's clear to say that he is a young performer that's here to take the industry by storm. 


Between the Sheets is a tender new musical and its concept has the beginnings of a gorgeous original musical, yet at present it is s let down by its book. With reworking, this musical is bound to be a treasured piece of theatre and it is clear that it is already on the path to greatness. 


Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Minnale Photography

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