Forever Young - Exeter Northcott Theatre - Review

Old age is something that comes to all of us, no matter how you choose to look at it. You may want to grow old gracefully, or disgracefully, age like fine wine, think of it as 'don't grow up, its a trap', or 'growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional', or you may in fact cling to the idea of hope of being forever young.

However you choose to look at aging, it is all explored with comedy, music and heart in 'Forever Young' written by Erik Gedeon, directed by Martin Berry, and presented by the Northcott Theatre, featuring a cast of local talent who have previous tread the boards of the Exeter venue, playing older versions of themselves.

The year is 2076, and the Northcott Theatre is now a home for retired performers where former stars reminisce and do all that they can to hold onto fun, hold onto the glory days and embrace every day that they have left. When the matron is around, they sit, stare, and follow every rule, but with her out of the room, its rock and roll, to and fro arguments, magic tricks and dance routines, proving that they are not as passed it as they may first appear.

Sister Shea (Eliza Shea) runs the home like a well oiled machine, delighting in reminding the residents of their impeding long sleeps as if they have nothing better to do, performing the shows original numbers, penned by Gedeon, with powerful vocals. Pianist Mr Combe (Archie Combe) is at the every command of both Shea and the residents, showcasing skill and comedic timing, not only in his playing but also in his yes/no outbursts throughout .

Jodie Micciché as Ms Micciché shines with her foul mouthed shouts, less talk more action t shirt and attitude, and tales of attending all of the protests of her youth, think reclaim the night, black lives matter, stop the conflicts and extinction rebellion, along with a more local reference to South West Water and brown flag beaches. Her character's close friendship with Molly Cheesley's Ms Cheesley is comical and joyful, bouncing off each other's energy and teaming up to wind up other residents, particularly Peter Watts' Mr Watts.

Perhaps armed with the biggest physical transformation of the cast, Peter Watts' is the aging rocker, refusing to let go of his wild past despite the challenges of growing older. His Memory Medley is a particular musical highlight, with incredible vocals and a touch of heart that proves his character isn't as hard as you may think.

Andrew Armfield and Madison Grace make a glorious couple as Mr Armfield and Ms Grace. A dodgy leg won't slow him down and he maintains his cheeky grin and childlike delight throughout and despite facing her own challenges of aging that cause her mind to wonder, Ms Grace still has a few shakespearean tricks up her sleeve. Armfield's rendition of 'Where Do You Go To (My Lovely) is warm, heartfelt and charming, illustrating the love between the pair.

I have to congratulate the team working behind the scenes in hair and make up for this production, transforming the cast into older versions of themselves in an impressive manner. A lot of care and thought has gone into the process, and it proves to be incredibly effective.

Whilst 'Forever Young' is primarily a comedy, and one that has the audience laughing out loud at that, its heart lies in enjoying life to the fullest, despite its challenges, despite the aging that no one can put a halt too. As we are reminded in the curtain call speech by Peter Watts, no one are getting out of this alive, so live it to the fullest, embrace it and grow old how ever you wish.