As the audience settles in the King’s Theatre, a small television screen flashes various clips of 9/11, political gaffes and other controversial American moments, making it clear the theme of this show is about a disillusioned youth, kamakaze politics and all in all a confused and conflicted new world.
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As soon as the first crashing chords of American Idiot play, this rollercoaster production explodes on to the stage rocking its way through Green Day’s most famous and iconic hits.
Based on Green Day’s 2004 rock opera album of the same name, this high energy punk rock production, winner of two Tony Awards and the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show, returns to mark the shows 10th anniversary.
The story follows three best friends Johnny (Tom Milner) , Tunny (Joshua Dowen) and Will (Samuel Pope) as they leave their hometown, burning with anger and rebellion in the aftermath of a 9/11 America to make something of their lives.
The three boys face drug addiction, relationship troubles and a struggle overall to find their purpose in life.
As they each choose a different path, they must also face the consequences of their decisions as they feel disempowered, angry and disillusioned with their lives, storming through hits such as American Idiot, Holiday and Jesus of Surburbia before they eventually find some hope in the emotionally charged “Wake me Up when September Ends”.
The inclusion of a live rock band onstage as well as the main characters playing guitars alongside them ensures the authenticity and the crashing chords of each hit song really resonate with the audience.
At times it can feel more like watching a live concert which you are desperate to join in with rather than a musical production.
Racky Plews choreography and direction delivers with strong high energy choreography with punchy raw emotion. At times it can over egg the sexual thrusts, middle finger gestures and constant drug references as it tries a bit too hard to be controversial.
Milner and his characterisation and vocals bear a striking resemblance to Greenday frontman himself Billie Joe Armstrong.
As well as delivering high energy performances and vocals, his incredible portrayal of a young man’s spiral into addiction with at times quite harrowing scenes of drug use are shocking yet fill the audience with empathy.
One particular scene is delivered in complete silence (with a vibe of Trainspotting) which is particularly difficult to watch.
Milner is without a doubt the star of the show, driving along each track with passion, energy and a hell of a lot of punk rock from start to finish. He is supported on stage by former X-Factor star Luke Friend who is clearly thriving on playing the villainous alter ego “St Jimmy” as well as fellow X-Factor star Sam Lavery who plays Johnny’s love interest Whatshername.
Along with Dowen and Pope, the vocal performances are strong throughout. At points, the plot is somewhat lacking with limited dialogue, relying on the lyrics of each hit song to do the talking.
As a powerful visual spectacle, from the choreography to the rustic grungy set design and added technical elements, the show enjoyable even if there are a few plot holes here and there.
The performance finished with a stripped back acoustic full cast performance of Time of Your Life which was well received.
If you aren’t a Green Day fan before, you may well be by the end of this performance. Tickets available until Saturday 1st June at the King’s Theatre.