Tick, Tick... Boom! | Theatr Clwyd

Tick, Tick... Boom!, a semi-autobiographical musical by the mastermind that is Jonathan Larson, was initially written in 1990 to be performed as a one-man monologue supported by a rock inspired band. However, after his terribly unfortunate death in 1996 as a result of an undiagnosed health condition, the show became a three-actor production that pays homage to his legacy.

Tick, Tick... Boom! explores Larson's life as he approaches 30 - he's an artist who is struggling to get his debut musical Superbia recognised, his best friend Michael has given up his dreams of being an actor to pursue a career in marketing and advertising and wishes for Jonathan to do the same, and on top of all of this, he's experiencing a strained relationship with his girlfriend Susan, who is eagerly encouraging Jonathan to give up his musical writing career to settle down with her and move away from all that he's ever known.

Ultimately, Tick, Tick... Boom! is a musical about perseverance, ambition and the act of sacrifice to reach the edge of greatness. What makes this musical all the more profound is the fact that Jonathan passed away the day before his musical RENT had its off-Broadway premiere, meaning that he didn't actually get to experience any of the success that this musical later went on to receive.

Tick, Tick...Boom! takes to the stage at the Theatr Clwyd as the theatre is literally on the edge of their own greatness, with the re-opening of the theatre after an incredible redevelopment programme which began back in 2021. This production of Tick, Tick...Boom! opens up the new theatre space with a promising look into the dynamic future of Theatr Clwyd under the safe hands of the incredible Theatr Clwyd team, including Artistic Director, Kate Wasserberg, who returns to Theatr Clwyd after previously working there between 2008-2013.

Whilst past productions of Tick, Tick... Boom! have tended to opt for a more intimate setting, this production takes place on the grand Moondance Theatre stage. However, this doesn't diminish the emotional impact that this musical has due to the incredible performances of the cast and the innovative production design.

Ryan Owen takes on the role of Jonathan with gusto and fiery passion, demonstrating exceptional emotional range. Played out as an almost monologue, Owen is at the forefront of the piece for the entire 90-minute runtime and his performance never once dips. Owen, who most recently took to the Moondance Theatre stage for last year's pantomime, Mother Goose, has a captivating stage presence, making his character's neurotic persona feel that little bit more endearing.

Christina Modestou and Tarik Frimpong complete the cast with incredibly strong supporting performances, multi-roling different characters with finesse. Modestou's Susan is headstrong and independent and her take on Come to Your Senses serves as one of the show's standout numbers, as well as her portrayal of Jon's peppy agent. Frimpong's Michael is emotionally sensitive and serves as a mournful reminder of how precious time is, which is ultimately what the show is all about.

Wasserberg's direction ensures that the 90-minute runtime never dips in energy, progressing the story in an intense and intimate exploration, and with the aid of Lucy Cullingford's striking choreography, the piece unfolds seamlessly.

Amy Jane Cook's set and costume design supports the flow of the piece and perfectly places the audience into Jonathan's world. With a revolve that sets the pace of his life, moving slowly for moments of reflection, and pacier for moments of spiraling, the use of this revolve is an inspired choice. Cook's set design, whilst visually stunning, also carefully ensures that it doesn't take away from the storytelling at hand, placing the actors and their performance into the spotlight, which is refreshing to see.

Lighting design from Katy Morison and sound design from Andrew Johnson's bring additional depth to the piece, with lighting design balancing the grittier and grimer New York at the time to the striking lighting of the razzle dazzle of show business, and sound design creating atmosphere.

What makes this musical stand out is Larson's ability to perfectly infuse contemporary music styles with traditional musical theatre forms. Larson's emotive lyrics, which explores raw and real-life themes, are particularly prominent in particular stand out numbers including Why, Louder than Words and Johnny Can't Decide. These songs create a compelling contrast against the high-energy fun numbers including No More and Sunday, and this perfect balance portrays the balance of the highs and lows of life. These songs all made their mark performed by the exquisite band led by musical director Bob Broad, which are further enhanced by the stunning vocals of the three-piece cast, with goosebump rendering harmonies.

This production of Tick, Tick... Boom! is an example of storytelling at its finest. This is a love letter to anyone who has a passion for the arts, and an urgent reminder of how unwavering ambition leads to great success, which is ultimately what this production is. A great success.

Tick, Tick... Boom! runs at Theatr Clwyd until 28th June 2025.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Johan Persson