Swag Age in Concert | Gillian Lynne Theatre

Swag Age in Concert makes its UK premiere with the highly acclaimed Korean musical of the same name at the Gillian Lynne Theatre (which is currently home to Studio Ghibli's My Neighbour Totoro). The musical, which is performed entirely in Korean with English subtitles on screens on either side of the stage, bursts onto stage with energy and emotion, creating a piece that transcends culture and language. The musical becomes a revolutionary cry as it chronicles the fictionalised history of the Joseon, Korea. 

Set in Joseon, the kingdom faces internal conflict under the rigid rule of the King and his equivalent to a Prime Minister. Sijo, a poetic artform, has been outlawed for nearly 15 years, following the murder of the previous King by a peasant turned traitor. However, the Golbin Gang, a masked group, make it their mission to bring back the right to practice Sijo. With tensions already running high in the kingdom, the orphan Dan challenges the rules and encourages the people to Reclaim their voices and their poetry. The stirrings of a movement result in the return of the Sijo Competition for the first time in 15 years, however, the short lived victory is overturned as secrets are revealed throughout Sijo, and a revolution begins.

Swag Age immediately impresses audience with endless energy, catchy songs, beautiful lyrics (even through an English translation), and the universal relatability for reclamation, accountability and empowerment. The music is unlike anything on the West End, bringing traditional and contemporary Korean musical styles to the foreground. The music ranges from emotional ballads, to poetic rap, and head bopping hit after hit, promising a musical score that leaves audiences wanting more and more. The vocal performances are astounding, with such an emotional clarity in the acting that it was a struggle to wrench one's eyes away from the performers to look at the lyrics. 

The show, however, falters in relation to the book, with a core story that doesn't quite reach its full potential. Stuffed with clichés and slightly too many plot twists, the subtlety that is so beautifully provided through music becomes superficial and doesn't quite allow audiences to fully connect with the characters on an emotional level. Whilst Sijo is mentioned many a time in the show, the actual meaning was never made clear, leaving a crucial piece of the puzzle out; although hopefully this merely lost in translation. That being said, the general premise was easy to follow, and audiences were able to root for the characters and enjoy the show thoroughly all the same. 

The performances were excellent, with particular mentions to Dan (Yang Hee Jun), Jin (Kim Soo Ha) and Hongguk (Lim Hyun Su). Yang Hee Jun steals the show as Dan, a Flynn Ryder lovable orphan who is the driving force for the change. The emotional journey from the cheeky rebel to a revolutionary leader who is fighting for the lives of the people is magnificent to behold, with a truly impressive performance. Kim Soo Ha as Jin makes a lasting impact with her own journey as she struggles to find the light in the dark and rise above the water. Kim Soo Ha is also excellent as the fierce and fiesty spearhead of the Sijo resurgence. 

The production, although advertised as a concert, feels fully staged, even leaning into the forest and moon elements providing by the existing My Neighbour Totoro set. The costumes are simple, yet efficiently indicate status, a key element of the show, and provides audiences with a glimpse of the larger production. 

Swag Age in Concert took the West End by storm on in it's UK premiere, reminding audiences that it's the words, music, truth and emotional connection that matter above all else. It was a delight to witness a tremendous musical in its native language elicit such a loud and positive response from the audience, and leaves one hoping for a longer return and soon. 

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by PL Entertainment