This European premiere production of American musical The Burnt Part Boys, running at London’s Park Theatre until 3 September 2016, is directed by Matthew Iliffe and follows the story of a group of teenagers living under the shadow of a tragic mining accident. But what have critics been saying about it?
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The Independent: ★★★ Paul Taylor thought that: “The trouble with this 90-minute piece, though, is that while the quest involves much mimed physical activity (adroitly executed by the cast with ropes and chairs in this spare chamber-production), we’re kept waiting too long for any real dramatic development.”
A Younger Theatre: “But it holds the most important element of any performance which truly draws people in; real, raw emotion. There is no pretence, no farce – just the honest adventure of one boy as he climbs to the burnt part.”
London Theatre 1: ★★★★ “I would encourage those who want to be taken on a wonderful journey to experience a truly touching show with an extremely talented and exciting young cast.”
The Stage: ★★★★ Heather Neill wrote: “The tear-jerking ending is a touch sentimental but this unusual musical (here receiving its European premiere) is gripping and its staging imaginative.”
Exeunt Magazine: “although it is hindered somewhat by its own ambition, it also offers an unexpectedly moving window onto a gentler, more innocent America than the one we know and fear today.”
Musical Theatre Review: ★★★★ “This is a touching coming-of-age story with a unique musical score, but it’s the imaginative way that the audience is taken on this journey by director Matthew Illiffe that makes this show truly special.”
The Upcoming: ★★★★ “Burnt Part Boys is a tale of youthful discovery and redemption. The company makes great use of a small stage and with lovely but dark music, this is definitely worth seeing.”
British Theatre Guide: “this is fine singing and company work at its best. The Burnt Part Boys is a 90-minute gem well worth catching.”
Traffic Light Theatregoer: “it’s a curious mixture of a musical with heart with touching moments and a musical by numbers letting the grit of mining life slip away.”
