This review was originally written for The Reviews Hub: https://www.thereviewshub.com/the-glamification-of-loki-southwark-playhouse-elephant-london/

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Throughout mythology, Loki, God of Mischief, has got up to all sorts of devious tricks. While the setup is not different here, it is the uncharacteristic kindness he shows on the way, executed by an incredibly talented young cast, in this fresh and fun new musical.

In this production, Loki is seeking apples. Running short on the fruit which gives him the power for eternal life and youth, he finds himself on a quest to seek these from the powerful Iodunn, but instead finds himself caught up in an aptly named, and positively glamorous, cosmetic company, Tree of Life. What follows sees Loki team up with wannabe photographer Ingrid, desperate for her boss Hilda to give her a marketing chance, with Loki and Ingrid aiding each other along the way. It is a bit chaotic but simple enough to follow, and placing Loki’s vacuous pursuit of eternal youth within the confines of a modern cosmetic brand, promising its own version of immortality, is a cute touch.

A new production from British Youth Music Theatre, where this production seriously dazzles, is through its talented and tireless cast, as well as through its slick, creative choreography (Stephen Moore) that helps bring Loki’s shapeshifting to life, and some neat special effects, including a well-crafted floating apple.

Patrick Gill excels as the charismatic Loki, encapsulating the production’s slickness. Gill oozes confidence in this role, making full use of the stage, as well as more subtle winks and shimmies, to create an engaging portrayal of the timeless trickster.

Alongside Gill, Ariana Callan’s Ingrid, seeking her own legacy as something more than an HR pen pusher, is equally as engrossing. Callan’s Ingrid grows in confidence once given the chance to direct her own photoshoots, while Callan shines through all forms of dance, singing and acting displayed here. It is the power of the two leads that helps to propel this musical, which, given its too frequent scene changes and slightly shallow plotline, contributes to its success.

Eden Tredwell’s book is a little too obvious in places, where the comparisons between the beauty industry and Loki’s shallowness are drawn. It is not a production made for subtlety; the catchy number Women Are Goddesses certainly puts a hat on the piece’s central message, but it does provide ample opportunity for the talented ensemble to show their skills, building to a brilliantly feel-good finale. Whether an embittered stockroom forewoman, an overly flamboyant French photographer, two delightfully screechy ravens or even Odin himself, the cast seamlessly evokes each character entertainingly and engagingly.

At less than 90 minutes, inevitably, the production does well a little too quickly. Nevertheless, there is a lot of fun to be had watching Loki navigate the world of 21st-century beauty products, and with plenty of catchy musical numbers, plus a cast boasting plenty of future West End leads, this new musical proves it is not just Loki that can get up to some mischief.

https://www.thereviewshub.com/the-glamification-of-loki-southwark-playhouse-elephant-london/