Last Updated on July 2, 2025
Uncharted Lullabies: A Musical Journey into Adolescence
Babies directed by Martha Godfrey is everything a modern musical should be, engaging, relevant, emotionally charged, and irresistibly fun. The songs are infectious, capturing the essence of youth, its uncertainties, and the quest for a meaningful future. What’s not to love? It’s a heartfelt reflection of a journey that resonates with us all.
I first saw Babies at the Lyric Shaftesbury Avenue last year during its developmental stage, and it made a lasting impression on me. This exciting new musical with music, lyrics, and orchestrations by Jack Godfrey and with book and direction by Martha Geelan, has just opened at The Other Place in Victoria for a short run.
It began its journey back in 2019 when Martha contacted Jack with the idea of collaborating on a musical. They decided to submit their fledgling concept to the British Youth Music Theatre Awards. In 2021 their innovative vision and passion paid off, as they went on to win. This led to a commission to complete the musical, involving a broader creative team, including Music Supervisor Joe Beighton (SIX). Following its West End showcase, they released four musical tracks, amassing over 75,000 and garnering a cult following.
The stage is set against a brick wall with a live band on elevated platforms. Using minimalist elements like metal frames, risers, staircases, school tables, and lockers, the set effectively represents various locations such as school corridors, toilets, bedrooms, and even clifftops. Designed by Jasmine Swan, this simple set allows the talented cast of nine young performers dressed in school uniforms to tell their captivating story and showcase the scorching pop-rock score.
Babies is a modern coming-of-age story which explores the transformative journey of nine year-11 students. With summer over, and exams on the near horizon the subject of conversation isn’t calculus or literature but babies as they have been tasked with a rather unique challenge: caring for lifelike plastic simulator dolls for an entire week. Beyond the superficial duties of changing nappies, the bonds of friendship are tested, while the very fabric of their aspirations comes under scrutiny and the stark reality of responsibility rears its formidable head.
Relationships are finely drawn, with Leah played with wonderful fresh integrity by Zoë Athena takes a central role, she lives with her nan, is always late for school and answers teachers back, but we quickly gather she has the weight of the world on her shoulders, feeling responsible for her alcoholic mother and unable to share her burden with her peers. Loveable Ben played with a refreshing innocence by newcomer Max Mulrenan and sassy Instagram queen Becky (convincing portrayed by Jaina Brock-Patel) are in the first throws of young love, which is soon to be tested by the duty of parenthood. Nathan Johnston delivers a strong performance in the role of Jacob, a character who arrives late and finds himself sharing baby duties with endearing Toby (Bradley Riches). This charming dynamic warms the heart and sets the stage for a potential romantic connection. Lauren Conroy makes a perfect Jasmine, the competitive high achiever with no time for the ‘Leahs’ of this world who finally crumbles under constant pressures. Viola Maisey makes her stage debut as Grace, Leah’s friend insecure friend, who is exploring her sexuality. While Ashley Goh confidently captures the complexities of non-binary Alex. Lucy Carter delivers an amusing portrayal of Lulu, the not-so-cool girl, who feels invisible.
Geelan’s punchy direction skilfully weaves the well-paced narrative that takes a group of teenagers on a funny, joyful yet poignant journey of self-discovery, it’s reminiscent at times of Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s ground-breaking rock musical ‘Spring Awakening,’ which was initially produced in 2006.
The infectious energy and memorable score had the entire auditorium rocking, on opening night, with the audience clapping enthusiastically between each number. The show features powerful, upbeat songs like “Hot Dad,” which has a definite boy band feel with a nod to Busted, and the infectious anthem “Baby Baby Baby.” It also touches the heartstrings with moving ballads like “Don’t Look at Me,” “You’re Already Gone,” and “The Right Way,” a song about seeking direction and purpose, filled with hope and determination.
With teenage vulnerability and heartache at its core and a fiery, dynamic musical arrangement along with the power of youth, the production resonates with both energy and emotion, positioning itself for tremendous success.
The Other Palace
12 Palace Street
London SW1E 5JA
United Kingdom
Until 14 July 2024
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