Olympus The Musical - A Race Against Time

(10m, 9f + Ensemble)

The Gods

Zeus

Hera

Aphrodite

Hermes

Persephone

Athene

Modern Period:

Dimitry Raphael - (An Olympic athlete)

Aimee - (Dimitry's fiancé)

Xander - (Dimitry's father)

Bella - (Dimitry's mother)

James - (Dimitry's manager)

Doctor

Ensemble Parts: Choroegrapher, Athletes, Lance (Reporter), Jill (Reporter), Director, Jane, Camilla, Eloise, Ben, Helen, James, Boy

Greece

Elena - A teacher

Homer - A child

Peleus - A soldier

Nestor - A soldier

Cadmos - Thetis' father and governor

Maia - Cadmos' wife

Telemon - Cadmos' son

Thetis - Cadmos' daughter

Asclepios - a mystic healer

Ensemble Parts including:

Leonidas, Lycurgis, Agis, Biblius, Chionis, Choroegrapher, Athletes, Lance (Reporter), Jill (Reporter), Director, Jane, Camilla, Eloise, Ben, Helen, Referee, Lady, Spartans, Children

Click here to hear the demo recording of OLYMPUS in a new window

RSC Openstages 2011/2012 - at Questors Theatre

It’s not every day you get to see the premiere of a new musical written around the biggest worldwide event of the year – London 2012 Olympics.

Using such a big event as the vehicle for your story is a very bold move – but one which has certainly paid off for the Good Company and audiences alike.

Olympus the Musical: A race against time tells the story of 100m icon and British gold medal favourite Dimitry Raphael being struck by lightning during the Olympic ceremony rehearsal and consequently transported to Ancient Greece at the time of the very first Olympics. Dimitry goes through a journey and echoes of his life lead him to learn about himself and face moral decisions in true classic Greek Tragedy style.

This ambitious project by the Good Company/AWT in many ways mirrors its Olympic subject matter. It has some notable backing - although I’m sure there were some doubters, it is a huge spectacle, it focused on using the strengths of the community and it thoroughly entertained the public

It’s an inspiration to have a musical written locally and starring some of the best local performers including Coda and Croydon Stagers. It was brilliant to see the stage filled with talent and I was amazed by the strength and depth of cast, with around 20 all singing parts and a strong chorus of Athenians and Spartans remaining. It was especially nice to see a wealth of young performers among the cast.

My foremost congratulations must go to the Director Chris Chambers and Musical Director Ian Rae for tackling this huge cast, I’m sure at times it seemed daunting but it was a challenge most definitely met. The placing of all the scenes were exemplary, the choreography and movement only heightened the mood and atmosphere of the big numbers, in particular the title number Olympus. It’s always difficult to stage fight scenes, but these were all thought out and performed well. My only slight criticism would be that on occasions there were some unnecessary ballet dancers floating around, but this really didn’t detract from the overall spectacle.

The main characters all pulled off their parts believably, sucking the audience into an emotional story. Neil O’Gorman and Elaine Hartley conveyed the emotions of two pained lovers brilliantly. The Greek gods, particularly Kevin Hayes all had stage presence and voices to match their titles. Keith Robertshaw and Ziggi Szafranski represented the powerful Athenians with true stature, and Glyn Williams and James Caldwell played the hardened Spartans well. Jennie Fox had a lovely tone to her voice if at times she did lack some strength. A special mention has to go to Michael Hall for his outrageous performance of Asclepios and for me Niki Davarias as Maia really struck a chord.

The production team of Olympus must also be congratulated. Staging a spectacle of a musical in Ancient Greece must have presented problems, but the inventive use of trucks and projection ensured scenes were changed seamlessly and the audience focused on the most important part: the action. It only added to the sense of drama using real fire on stage and the lighting in particular was spot on.

I can think of no better place to stage Olympus than the ambient Minack Theatre, Cornwall and would recommend that everyone goes and sees this spectacular show. 

Congratulations, you have done justice to the Olympic legacy.
- Steve Rikard (Sardines Magazine)

We have been looking forward to this event for quite some time, Olympus Being one of our first ~IB~ Babies and dear to our hearts! For those not in the know, it was originally a piece of musical theatre written by Ian Rae & adapted to a musical by Ian and Chris Chambers who wrote the book. (For full history please check previous blogs.)

I am delighted to say that this musical has exceeded all expectations from the staging- including the medallion style overhead screen used throughout to inform and emphasis events- to the beautiful music, costumes and intricate choreography. The actual set was magnificent and allowed ample room for all 60 actors to grace the stage!

I was particularly impressed by the diverse nature of Ben/the God Zeus’ character, (played by Kevin Hayes,) changing from playful Ben at the rehearsal for the Olympic Games to the stern figure he portrayed as Zeus back in Ancient Greece. Everybody in the cast from Handmaidens to the Greek chorus and Helena’s pupils played their roles extremely well. There were several dual characters cast between modern day personalities and ancient Greeks, Gods or otherwise who were not in the least confusing! I think transition between time zones was extremely well done which helped.

In addition to the powerful Greek Gods we witnessed conflict between the Athenians and Spartans, being taken from one moral dilemma to the next all with the aim of helping the very selfish, ‘ See how I love myself,’ Dimitry Raphael, (Neil O’Gorman,) take stock of his life and gain an inkling of the compassion needed to appreciate his own people... and poor long-suffering wife... just in time for fatherhood it would seem!

The attention to detail was most impressive. The characters were clearly identifiable, Gods wearing illuminated crowns being an excellent touch. Young Homer had a very prominent role and was confidently played, I believe by Simon Perry on this occasion... we are already aware that Christopher Backway is extremely good in the role!

Kudo’s to all the main characters, particularly Jennie Fox and Glyn Williams, (Thetis and Peleus respectively,) who sang some gorgeous yet tricky duets. James Caldwell gave a memorable performance as Nestor and I was pleased to see Vicky Watkins playing the God Hera as it was Vicky who brought Olympus to our attention. There were many children taking part and they all did extremely well, finishing with huge smiles when the show came to an end. For a full list of characters check the Olympus website opposite.

Chris Chambers produced a very deep yet witty script that was both challenging and emotional, making Olympus a thought provoking, contemporary work of art. The cast were very professional and consisted predominantly of passionate amateurs; a reflection resulting from the clear direction of the production team and a great deal of dedication from all concerned.

On a personal note, I am sorry that this show is having a very limited run and when the flame was placed in public view to open the Olympics I felt like saying, ‘Long Live Olympus... A race against time!’
- Jaz Mackenzie (It's Braap, It's Life)

Whenever one is invited to see or review a brand new musical it is always a surprise and not always an entirely pleasant one. Often the most earnest heartfelt attempts of the amateur or unpublished independent writer are, at best an acquired taste, more appealing to those closest to the project than a public audience. However, once in a while something very special comes along that simply deserves much wider exposure. Something which has that elusive ‘something’ that makes it stand out from the rest and shout that this is an incredibly well told story [book and additional lyrics by director – Chris Chambers] against the backdrop of some exquisite songs [composed by MD – Ian Rae with additional songs by Chris Chambers]. I make no exaggeration in stating my opinion that Olympus is exactly that. It is an ancient greek re-telling of the Romeo and Juliet story mixed with overtones of the Bernstein West Side Story version in places. 

Prior to seeing the show I did some research into the group and the production and it appears that they are a mix of Croydon based group members and [resting?] professionals. Certainly there was not a singer or principal character among them who did not make me question if they were the hidden pro’s. However special mentions must go to Michael Hall who played Asclepios and was not only slick and well delivered but oozed charisma, engaging the audience in all scenes he graced; and also the young talent of Simon Perry who played Homer and held his own against his adult co-stars – certainly one to watch for the future. 

The set was impressive and inventive using two periaktos [quite fitting since these were invented by the ancient Greeks!] and fixed risers finished off with clever use of projection and lighting. I am sure that this complemented the further week run at the Minack in celebration of the arrival of the Olympic torch to UK soil. 

Costumes too, were incredibly numerous and yet all offered the viewer the feeling that no expense had been spared to create the right feel. 

If I had one slight criticism it would be that the sound [especially the fantastic band] was at times very quiet and did not accentuate the crescendos in the performance as well as I would have liked and was deserved. 

Composer Ian Rae and wife/assistant-director/producer Morven Rae should be incredibly proud of a production that deserves a wider audience and exposure. - Lance Milton (NODA)