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Ruthless People: Ruthless - Arches Lane Theatre

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What is it about the Madoff’s that writers can’t resist writing about? Sure, it may have been the largest Ponzi scheme to collapse (so far), but there isn’t much more to explore. Or is there? In Ruthless by writer Roger Steinmann, Ruth Madoff is imagined as a wronged, gun-toting woman anchored in the past while trying to move on with her life. It’s not entirely successful but a fascinating look at life and wig choices, It’s currently playing at the theatre now known as the Arches Lane Theatre in Battersea. Ruth Madoff, played by Emily Swain, is here wearing a wig. I thought it was an odd look until I reviewed how closely it matched the photo of her interview in  The New York Times .  Typically, it’s the sort of wig you might see worn by Ladies on a night out in central London, not someone who once had over $80m in assets. With Bernie in Jail and both her sons now dead - one by suicide and one due to cancer, she is setting a table for the men who have left her. And ordering p...

Holding out for a hero: Eugenius @TheOtherPalace

You get the sense you’re witnessing the birth of a new cult musical at Eugenius. Some audience members appear to know the choreography, songs and bad jokes in advance of those experiencing it for the first time. And this isn’t such a bad thing. Particularly with its supercharged cast and uplifting eighties-inspired soundtrack this show rocks. It’s back atThe Other Palace after a successful run earlier this year. 

The book music and lyrics are by Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins. The songs are inspired with their upbeat eighties sound. Keyboards, sax solos and electric guitars abound. And there are a mix of ballads and hilarious songs to keep things irresistible. But they have to compete with a convoluted story seems like a mash up of Blood Brothers, Rock of Ages and Galaxy Quest.

Teenage boy Eugene (Rob Houchen), dreams of a distant world where superhero Tough Man and Super Hot Lady fight against the Evil Lord Hector. His nerdy friends Janey (Laura Baldwin) and Feris (Daniel Buckley) encourage him to put his ideas to paper.  So soon hie finds himself with a contract in Hollywood where fantasy and reality begins to converge.

And although the story gets bogged down with it’s Hollywood subplot, it’s hard not to like a show with a robot called Kevin and some seriously terrific wigs and costumes. Adams and Wilkins have an ear for a catchy tune and everyone looks like they’re having a fabulous time. Well maybe except for the band who sit on stage looking lifeless. 

Houchen with his strong tenor vocals deftly handles the demands of the music. And Baldwin is a delight as the nerdy girl with a super hot streak underneath. 

Directed by Ian Talbot with choreography by Aaron Renfree, Eugenius is at The Other Palace until 21 October. Go Eugenius!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Photos by Scott Rylander

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