Review: American Idiot at the Kings Theatre, Southsea

Amelia Lily and Lucas Rush in American Idiot

he show rattles through the hits of the American punk rock band at lightening pace. The energy is fantastic from the opening number, the titular track. However, the songs are pieced together by such a loose thread of a storyline, that it really undermines the brilliant visual and vocal work.

Of course, this is no fault of the performers. Matt Thorpe impressed as Johnny, his voice particularly striking in the stripped back rendition of Wake Me Up When September Ends.

Lucas Rush was equally as gifted with some ridiculous falsettos as Johnny’s alter-ego, St Jimmy.

X Factor alumni Amelia Lily, puts in a great turn. Her vocals were fantastic, but her character isn’t as prominent as her top billing would suggest.

While the evening was certainly enjoyable, it was disappointing that the plot, or lack of one, lets down an otherwise excellent show.

Despite the unquestionable talent of the principals and ensemble alike, it was hard to really care about the characters’ fate.

Fans of Green Day will love it, but I suggest you familiarise yourself with the story first.

Until April 30.