Workshops like this remind us that musicals aren’t born fully formed they’re nurtured, tweaked, and tested. Chosen, a pop-rock comedy about Sue — an unassuming IT technician thrust into an apocalyptic battle against zombies — is a shining example of potential waiting to explode. From its witty, laugh-out-loud script to its clever melodies, this show may not yet be ready for the main stage, but it’s already carving a unique niche for itself in the world of musical theatre.
The story opens with a bang — or rather, a brilliantly humorous song that wastes no time setting the tone: camp, irreverent, and brimming with sharp wit. This opening number is packed with jokes, instantly drawing the audience into Sue’s bizarre yet somehow relatable world. The subsequent scenes, introducing the motley crew of characters and establishing the ridiculous yet heartfelt plot, continue the comedic streak while revealing a surprising depth to the characters. Sue, our unlikely hero, is not just a figure of laughter; she’s the beating heart of the narrative. Lovably mundane yet hilariously resourceful, Sue has the audience rooting for her from the get-go. Every office has a Sue.
Ted, the nice zombie, is another standout character, a delightful juxtaposition to typical undead tropes. His cheerful demeanour and comedic timing provide much of the levity, though his arc could use further development. Currently, Ted’s story fizzles once his initial purpose — finding the scientist — is (somewhat) fulfilled, leaving him to meander in the second half. Then there’s Quinn, the muscle of the group, whose simple yet steadfast role as security has potential for greatness. Although many of her action-packed moments are narrated rather than performed in this workshop format, one can easily imagine her coming into her own in full productions, particularly during choreographed fight scenes. The villain, Colonel Chaos, delivers exactly what his name promises: mischief, double-crossing, and a dose of pantomime flair. His presence sometimes feels more like a comic book villain than a threat worthy of Sue’s efforts.
Musically, Chosen is promising. The melodies are catchy and well-crafted, with enough variation to keep them engaging. I cannot wait to hear the demo tracks translated to a full orchestral or band arrangement, these songs will be so impactful and full of life. The songs are so interesting and original, offering a strong foundation for future development.
The four actors — Max Alexander-Taylor, Jackie Pulford, Jonathan Bourne, and Georgina Scott — brought these characters to life with undeniable talent and charm. Their performances showcased the depth and humour of the script even while reading from it. Sue’s character arc, while not fully resolved in this version, is well-defined and compelling, and her relatable struggles with purpose and second chances anchor the outlandish story in genuine emotion.
The pacing is brisk and engaging, it doesn’t drag or lose the audience’s interest. Yet the show’s primary weakness lies in the clarity of its characters motives and resolutions. While Sue’s journey is strong, the supporting characters need more defined goals to round out the narrative. However, this is what workshops are for, to find these holes and fill them — I have complete faith that the writers will do this. That said, even without completing the character arcs, this story is still compelling and enjoyable for the audience.
Chosen was born out of a joke in 2017, it’s the brainchild of Taiyo Yoshida and Dominic Varney, two self-taught creators who have poured years of passion into this project. Their hard work and innovation earned them a place at BEAM2023 and development opportunities with Birmingham Hippodrome. Though it’s still a work in progress, the Chosen Musical already promises to be a delightful and unique addition to the theatre landscape. Its combination of humour, heart, and originality is a winning formula, and with further refinement and finesse, it has the potential to become something truly special. Keep and eye on this one — Sue’s story is far from over, and if this workshop is any indications, it’s a journey well worth following.
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