Earlier this year I went along to the season preview at Curve. This was the first time I’d heard mention of a theatre show with Bob Dylan’s music in, so I was intrigued to find out how this would work.
Written by Conor McPherson, Girl Fom the North Country is set in 1930s Minnesota during the Depression. McPherson had artistic licence to use any of Dylan’s songs in the play which must have been exciting but at the same time pretty daunting. Coupled with the fact that he set himself the challenge of only using instruments from the 1930s, you get the sense of how much of McPherson’s passion has gone into this work.
Unlike some musicals, this one has a strong storyline, with Dylans music – ranging from 1963 right up until 2012 – complementing and working in harmony with it. In a clever twist, the actors and musicians play their parts and also act as narrators to the plot.
The musical is set in a guesthouse owned by Nick and Elizabeth Laine, played by Colin Connor and Nichola MacEvilly. Elizabeth has dementia, and because of this, is not inhibited in what she says and how she acts. Both actors were excellent in their portrayal of the characters. It was hard to take your eyes off MacEvilly as she portrayed Elizabeth so well and with such care, her performance was incredible throughout.
Their son, Gene, played by Gregor Milne – a drunk who aspires to be a writer, and their adopted pregnant daughter Marianne, played by Justina Kehinde, were both excellent portrayals of the characters and Justina has such strong, beautiful vocals. Nick tries unsuccessfully to get his single daughter to marry a rich older widower, Mr Perry, played perfectly by Teddy Kempner.
The guesthouse has a broad spectrum of inhabitants, including a boxer, Joe Scott and a bible salesman Reverend Marlowe, both strong characters played by Joshua C Jackson and Eli James.
It soon becomes apparent that Nick is having an affair with one of guests – a divorced Mrs Neilsen, played excellently by Maria Omakinwa, who has such a powerful singing voice. Nick and Mrs Neilsen openly talk about their relationship in front of Elizabeth.
Mr and Mrs Burke, played by James Staddon and Rebecca Thornhill, have a son, Elias Burke played by Ross Carswell, making his professional debut in the show. This part of the show had a particular poignance for me as their son has a learning disability, and their story looks at the way this is handled by both the mother and the father. To add another layer to this part of the story – while Elizabeth struggles with Elias at first, she then seems to take on a nurturing role towards him almost as a kindred spirit.
Every single musical number was standout, but my particular favourites were Slow Train, Like a Rolling Stone and the titular Girl From the North Country.
Each one of the cast has their own story within a story, which is weaved together with dramatic effect throughout the performance. Coupled with the backdrop and the dramatic lighting effects, this is one musical you won’t want to miss.
Girl From the North Country is at Curve until Saturday March 11.
Tickets £10-£42.50
