Based on a book by Odon von Horvath, this new musical by Tim Connor and Susannah Pearse is the story of a 1955 Lake District stationmaster who, distracted by a lover, forgets a signal which leads to a train disaster. Master and lover attempt to cover up the mistake – but his wife has witnessed it all.
The story breaks down into three simple parts. The first is an evocative rendering of small-town life as stationmaster Thomas (Nigel Richards) goes about his day with a whistle in a bright scene-setter “6.59,” a little Sondheim staccato lyric from Pearse describing the scene.
We meet “Pillar Of The Community” snobbish Mrs. Deakin (Nicola Sloane on lovely snooty form) in charge. A lengthy, catty number exposes the foetid underbelly of life, which serves nicely for Thomas to cheat with barmaid Anna (Alex Young, well-cast with her affiliation to alcoholic delights).
Wife Catherine (Jessica Sherman) knows what is going on, but is considered insane, until events prove otherwise and she demonstrates a loyalty beyond generosity to her husband.
As the story unfolds, there are several surprise twists. All are sensible and several are expressed with interesting music. From “Life Goes On” in which the mundanities of life are well-contrasted with serious matters in a way we all recognise when faced with them, to “Tuck You In” – a song with dual meaning – there are suggestions much will be effective on stage, with the right direction.
As a concept album, it sounds good. Joe and Nikki Davison (for Auburn Jam Music) ensure the sound is always properly balanced, the West End voices clear. Orchestrator Jason Carr allows conductor Chris Guard to pace the score, resisting the need of many similar albums to race to cram in as much as possible.
Helpfully, director Emma Kilbey allows several spoken scenes, which explain the action without reference to sleeve notes.
There is work to do. The text is full of anachronisms, phrases not used in 1955 – in particular somebody really should research the British police caution of the era.
Still, in a blizzard of new musicals of varying quality, this has the advantage of a strong book, the most vital component. Add several brighter than average lyrics and some through-melodies which distinguish the show in a crowd, and there just might be a stageable future at some point to reward the efforts here.
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The show is available free from Friday 26 July 2024 on all major digital platforms (including Spotify and YouTube), as "The Complete Work" (the full concept album, capturing the entire show – all the scenes and songs); as well as the "Original Cast Album" (featuring songs only)
A 2CD limited edition print run as 2The Complete Work" (the full concept album, capturing the entire show – all the scenes and songs) is also available price £15 + P&P direct from the creatives. Email timpaniproductions (put the @ symbol here) outlook.com for details.