All or Nothing – The Small Faces Musical is a BIG Success
All or Nothing, the smash hit mod musical that tells the life and times of the wonderfully talented Steve Marriot and the Small Faces, arrived in Wolverhampton last night for a three night run. The story of The Small Faces, a bunch of Cockney teenagers who became one of the most biggest and most iconic bands of the 1960s, is a taundry tale of talented and youth exploited and ultimately wasted, but it also has laugh out loud moments, amazing music and a cast who are totally at the top of their game.
All or Nothing is written by Carol Harrison, perhaps best known for her role as Louise Raymond in Eastenders. She has produced an extraordinary piece of theatre, it probably is ‘the coolest musical ever’. Carol also plays the role of Kay Marriot, the mother of Steve Marriot, and a real heart of the story, a vibrant East End mother with a posh telephone voice and aspirations that her boy might one day work with Sir Laurence Olivier. Young Steve (Samuel Pope – all cheeky sass and attitude) has other ideas, his heart and soul lie in making music, and a chance meeting with Kenney Jones (Stefan Edwards) and Ronnie Lane (Stanton Wright) sets the wheels in motion for the band that will become the Small Faces. A change of personnel sees the tall Jimmy Winston(Joseph Peters) replaced by the pint sized Ian McLagan (Josh Maddison) and the classic Small Faces line up is complete and set for stardom. But fame does not bring fortune, as the band are exploited by a string of managers, and the charismatic but self destructive Marriot ruins their chances of world wide success with obnoxious behaviour that sees them banned from the likes of Top of the Pops. All or Nothing tells this story in blistering fashion, complete with a string of classic hits that are played live by a talented cast of actors who can also sing like a dream.
One of the things that makes All or Nothing such a spell binding, and ultimately tragic experience, is the narration from an older, and by now dead, Steve Marriot. Played by the brilliant Chris Simmons, it is like Marriot is looking back at his experiences, enjoying the good times, and wishing he could turn back time as he realises the mistakes he made (his band become the Faces with Rod Stewart after he left abrubtly in 1968.) Chris is exceptional in the role, he noticeably deteriorates as the play continues, mirroring what happened to Marriot, who was killed in a house fire in the early 1990s. It is heartbreaking to watch, and his final scene with mom Kay (Carol Harrison at her most poignant) is almost eerie in its sadness, particularly a final rendition of All or Nothing.
Another thing that I loved about ‘All or Nothing’ is that it superbly recreates the era of the 1960s, from a very funny episode of Top of the Pops with Daniel Beares just hilarious as Tony Blackburn, to scenes including Sonny and Cher and an incredible Dusty Springfield (Sophia Benn – just wow!). Juke Box Jury, Ready Steady Go, Andrew Loog Oldham and Rod Stewart, they are all there, and it gives the musical real resonance, not just looking at the band in splendid isolation, but placing them at the centre of Swinging London.
All or Nothing is one of the best musicals around, one with a real sad story to tell, and brilliant music that has stood the test of time.
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16 Comments
Shannon
Looks like a great musical! I’ll have to watch it! Thanks for the great review, I wouldn’t have heard about All or Nothing otherwise.
Gloria
One of those moments again in which I realise I was born in the wrong decade. Wish I could have witnessed the 60-70es first hand but since I can’t time travel this might be the next best thing. Thanks for the great review.
Sarah Bailey
I have to admit I’ve not heard of this musical before but it sounds like a really interesting I’ll have to see if I can see it sometime 🙂
Marcie W.
I am a sucker for a good musical and this is the first I am hearing of All or Nothing. It seems like a great production with some fantastic music! Definitely a must see.
Elizabeth o
All or Nothing sounds like a musical I’d love to see. The storyline is sad but typical of what we see in the music business. Marriott was a hothead ahead of his time.
I chuckled when I read Dusty Springfield’s name. Plus, I loved the Eastenders and watched it for years … ah, the memories!
Claudia Krusch
I love musicals. I would love to see All or Nothing. I will have to see if I will be in the area so I can go.
Needa
Seems like interesting !! I am not a big fan !! but wanted to see the re-creation !!
Chloe
Nothing beats a great musical! I hadn’t heard of this one before but I’ll be sure to check it out!
Akamatra
I usually don’t enjoy reading reviews of plays I’ve never heard of but yours was captivating and very nicely written.
Nellwyn
I’d never heard of this musical before but you’ve piqued my interest! I’ll have to look and see if it’s playing in Toronto any time soon.
Ali Rost
My husband and I are big fans of musicals, although this is one I haven’t heard of. We live in a college town where there are lots of plays and musicals .. so I’ll definitely be keeping this one on my radar screen!
Charity Gorman
If it wasn’t for your review I probably would have never known about this musical. I have never been a really big fan of musicals but from your review it sounds like it would be fun to go see them. I just might have to check it out. Thank you.
Heather
I’m with Gloria- I wish I could have witnessed the 60’s and 70’s firsthand. You did a great job with this review; most particularly I appreciate how you connect the action of the play with the portrayal of the setting. Details like that are what make plays great!
Caitlin
I bet this is FANTASTIC to see on stage. I love a good musical… here where I live in the States we get the good ones a few years after they’ve made it big!
Shannon Harris
This is awesome! Never been a big fan of musicals but have been finding a new love for them lately after moving to Austin, TX. Have to keep my eyes and ears open to try and catch this some day.
Jennifer L
Oh this is sounds like a great musical! I hope I can catch this one or it comes to my city.