Girl from the North Country at Alexandra Theatre Birmingham

Girl from the North Country is a musical written and directed by Conor McPherson, with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan. It is the double Olivier and Tony Award winning West End and Broadway smash-hit currently embarking on its UK tour.

Girl from the North Country is set in 1934 in the midst of winter in the Great Depression of America. It is about a group of wayward souls who cross paths in a time-weathered Minnesota-based guesthouse who are standing at a turning point in their lives, as they all realise nothing is what it seems. As they search for a future, and hide from the past, they find themselves facing unspoken truths about the present.

On arriving at my seat, I was greeted by the unique 30s set featuring a variety of instruments that were consistently used in the production. It was great to see how they opted to involve a range of instruments live on stage rather than have instruments coming from an orchestra pit, so it was a highlight to see something different.

I liked the involvement the characters had with individual instruments which allowed them to showcase their incredible musical talents further. Musical numbers such as Slow Train, Sweetheart Like You and Like A Rolling Stone were highlights of the show that helped to set the tone and atmosphere.

As well as incredible music, this production was brought to life with regular scene and backdrop changes, strong sound and lighting and an exceptionally talented cast who all worked well together and had strong stage presence.

Girl from the North Country had heart and emotion and can resonate with audiences. The show allows you to explore the lives of these individual characters through the power of rich storytelling and music, the link between the two makes this a truly memorable theatrical experience.

Many characters featured in the show such as Joe Scott, Mr Perry, Elizabeth Lane, Dr Walker and more, and it was interesting getting to know each of the characters personalities as the production went on - you start to get to know the characters you like and don't like.

When it came to the interval, audience members looked emotional from seeing the first half of the show and this goes to show how engaging storytelling can be.

I highly recommend, the show delivered and is theatre at its best. 

Running until Saturday 11 February 2023 at Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Tickets are available here

Header Image Credit: Girl From The North Country

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Gregary Burnsen-Hicks

Gregary Burnsen-Hicks Contributor

Interviewer/presenter, theatre/event reviewer, actor/performer, entrepreneur and journalist for Voice Magazine.

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