REVIEW: Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical at Hayes Theatre Co

As someone who only landed on Australia's sunny shores a few years ago, ‘Phar Lap’ meant literally nothing to me. I was, however, familiar with electro-swing, having excitedly donned a trilby or two in my university days. So, sitting in Hayes’ foyer I was excited to see how the world of swing and horse racing might combine… and I was not disappointed!

From the very first blast of a trumpet I found myself wondering why I haven’t seen an electro-swing musical before? It’s a huge credit to both the cast and crew that telling the story through electronic big band music seemed to make perfect sense.

Steven Kramer is undoubtedly one to watch as the writer of the book, music and lyrics for this creative and fresh new musical. No note felt wasted in its 1 hr 40 minutes. Clever puns, catchy tunes and concise story telling blended together to create a show that I have no doubt will see many more stages.

Photo credit: John McCrae

Ellen Simpsons choreography was one of the stand out features of this production for me, comedic at times, snappy and tight, it instantly immersed you in the world with each shuffle ball change and hoof swing.

Hailey Hunts set was beautiful (using the manes as set dressing was an inspired choice) and sparse enough to be multifunctional yet still felt very unique and creative.

Mason Browne’s costuming felt truly tailored, taking us from the race grounds to a horse rave seamlessly alongside the lighting by Trent Suidgeest which expertly helped create a cohesion with all of the other moving parts.

A moment needs to be given to David Gardos as Musical Director, Liam Roche as Sound Designer, Jack Earle as Arranger/Orchestrator, Steve Toulmin as Orchestrator/Track Producer and Glenn Moorhouse as Associate Track Producer. The music production was stunning. The sound was clean, vivid and energetic - having the audience bopping in their seats non stop. Listening to this soundtrack is worth the ticket price alone (as is the dominatrix jockey but you need to see that for yourself).

It’s impossible to pick a stand out performer from our cast of seven. Each actor brought an authenticity to their multiple parts, transforming effortlessly to give the impression of a much larger ensemble than was actually present. Manon Gunderson-Briggs set the tone excellently as the announcer, speaking at the speed of light and never missing a beat. Joel Granger as Phar Lap was truly one of the most endearing performances I've ever seen, his stage presence had the audience eating out of his hoof instantly. Equally fantastic were Shay Debney as Jim Pike, Lincoln Elliot as Nightmarch, Amy Hack as Madame X, Nat Jobe as David Davis and Justin Smith as Harry Telford - I haven’t seen a cast this consistently strong in a long time and it was a joy to watch. Phar Lap was spearheaded by the brilliant Sheridan Harbridge as director and what an outstanding job she did. I was captivated from start to finish and may have even shed a tear at the end.

In these trying times I’ve often found that theatre can be a real balm for the soul and Phar Lap is a true example of this. Heartfelt, irreverent, new and exciting - I struggle to think of a better way to spend an evening. Quit horsing around and head down to Hayes to catch this gem of a show - you wont regret it.

5 out of 5 stars

Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical is on now until 22nd November at the Hayes Theatre Co