"Stalled," currently playing at the King's Head Theatre, presents an intriguing premise: a musical set entirely within the confines of a luxurious ladies' restroom. While the concept is undeniably unique and the production boasts impressive technical elements, the execution ultimately falls short of its full potential.
The musical, directed by Vikki Stone, explores the lives of several women who frequent the restroom, each grappling with their own personal struggles. Lauren Ward delivers a captivating performance as Maggie, the grief-stricken cleaner who provides unexpected support and guidance to the other women. Ward's powerful vocals, particularly during the poignant ballad "Fly," are a highlight. Josie Benson excels as Cynthia, the self-destructive mother grappling with the challenges of raising her neurodivergent daughter, Emma. Other notable performances include Rebecca-Jo Roberts as the rebellious teenager Robin and Regina Co as Krystal, a young woman struggling with her sexuality.
Emily Bestow's beautiful set design transforms the stage into a meticulously detailed recreation of a high-end restroom, complete with plush furnishings and an air of understated luxury (and lavender hand lotion!). This visually striking set, combined with the atmospheric lighting, effectively immerses the audience in the unique and intimate world of the restroom.
However, the narrative, penned by Liesl Wilke, occasionally feels contrived. The exploration of the various subplots, including Cynthia's struggles with motherhood, Krystal's journey of self-discovery, and Serena's unexpected pregnancy, sometimes feels rushed and underdeveloped.
Furthermore, while the music by Andy Marsh is enjoyable (but not memorable), the orchestration occasionally overshadows the vocals.
Despite these shortcomings, Stalled offers a glimpse into the complexities of female experiences and provides a thought-provoking, if somewhat uneven, theatrical experience.
Photo: Johan Persson