Sailing musical runs aground

The Southwark Playhouse Elephant in London is hosting the musical production Maiden Voyage (July 19-August 23), based on a round the world race, but this reviewer was underwhelmed…

This intrepid tale of a sailing team atop the high seas spumes with good intentions. It is an against-the-odds story of the first all-female crew to attempt an ocean race – the Round the World Whitbread race of 1989-1990 – even as a sexist press scoffs at them.

Skipper, Tracy (based on Tracy Edwards, played by Chelsea Halfpenny), leads the eight-strong team, singing all the while. The production’s sails are raised in an opening scene featuring a projection of waves (good work by video designer Jack Baxter), the set itself the boat’s helm.

But the endeavor quickly runs aground. – Full report

Editor’s note: Attendees are warned the musical includes haze, sexist language, and references to death. Should there be similar signage on our boats too?