★★★★★ Our House – The Madness Musical
Theatre Review | Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre | 2 November 2026
Written by Tim Firth | Directed by Paul Lumsden
An explosion of energy, outstanding young talent and infectious music made Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre’s production of “Our House – The Madness Musical” a wonderful celebration of everything that makes youth theatre so special.
There is something rather wonderful about watching young performers deliver performances that make you sit up and take notice. When an entire company displays that same enthusiasm, commitment and sheer love of performing, you know you’re in for a special evening.
Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre (SCMYT) certainly delivered one with its ambitious production of “Our House”, the musical built around the wonderfully infectious songs of Madness.
Set in Camden Town, the story follows teenager Joe Casey, whose life takes two very different paths following a single fateful decision. As Good Joe and Bad Joe navigate their contrasting futures, we discover how choices involving love, friendship, loyalty and temptation can change everything.
It’s a demanding, fast-moving musical, blending comedy, drama and energetic musical numbers. And at its heart was one extraordinary young performer.
Jamie Wilson as Joe Casey was, quite simply, WOW!
Rarely off stage, Jamie delivered a performance of extraordinary energy, stamina and professionalism. His excellent vocals, confident characterisation and seemingly effortless ability to switch between Good Joe and Bad Joe were remarkable.
The role also demanded an astonishing number of costume changes, expertly managed backstage by dresser Suzanne Harris, who surely deserves a medal for keeping everything running so smoothly!
What impressed me most was Jamie’s maturity and professionalism. He commanded the stage while remaining a generous team player, allowing those around him their moments to shine.
And the most astonishing thing? Jamie is just 17 years old!
To deliver a performance of such quality at that age is exceptional. I have absolutely no hesitation in saying that Jamie Wilson is a young performer destined to go places.
One of the great pleasures of following SCMYT over the years has been watching young performers grow in confidence and ability, and Louise Heard as Sara is a wonderful example.
I first saw Louise in the company’s inaugural production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in March 2019. Seven years later, she has developed into a beautifully assured performer with a lovely singing voice.
As Joe’s intelligent and devoted girlfriend, Louise brought warmth, sincerity and genuine emotion to the role, capturing Sarah’s love, frustration and determination as Joe’s contrasting choices shape their futures.
With “Our House” marking Louise’s final SCMYT production, this was a particularly poignant performance. What a wonderful way to bring seven years with the company to a close. Bravo, Louise, and every good wish for the future.
Euan Barnby as Joe’s Dad delivered another fine performance. As the deceased father watching over his son’s two very different journeys, Euan brought authority, sensitivity and strong vocals to a challenging role. His convincing portrayal captured both paternal affection and the frustration of being unable to prevent Joe from repeating his mistakes.
Holly Masefield as Kath Casey, Joe’s hardworking and devoted mother, also impressed. Playing a character considerably older than herself pushed Holly outside her comfort zone, but she embraced the challenge admirably. Her portrayal of a determined mother fighting to protect her family and home against commercial redevelopment was warm, convincing and heartfelt.
Providing some of the evening’s most enjoyable comic moments were George Hayes as Lewis and Elliott Winhall as Emmo, Joe’s inseparable best friends.
George brought sensitivity and loyalty to Lewis, while Elliott was wonderfully energetic as Emmo, the mischievous class clown who is always ready for a laugh or another questionable adventure.
Together, they made a delightful comedy double act, displaying excellent comic timing and natural chemistry. Their infectious humour was balanced by a genuine sense of friendship and loyalty.
Lola Hinsley as Billie and Elsie Wood as Angie both delivered solid, confident performances. As Sarah’s close friends, they brought personality, youthful energy and a convincing sense of camaraderie to the Camden Town friendship group. Both maintained an engaging stage presence whenever they appeared.
A particularly memorable character portrayal came from Faris Harlow-Makin as Reecey, the school bully and local hard man whose corrupt schemes threaten to draw Joe into a life of crime.
When Faris first appeared, I genuinely thought the part was being played by a considerably older actor, such was the maturity and authority with which he carried himself.
His commanding stage presence and convincing sense of menace made Reecey genuinely intimidating without becoming exaggerated. A powerful and impressively mature performance.
Director Paul Lumsden readily acknowledges that “Our House” has been a genuine challenge to stage, and it’s easy to understand why.
With two parallel storylines, rapid scene changes and a large teenage cast, the production could easily have become confusing or chaotic.
Instead, Paul delivered a remarkably slick and polished show, keeping both stories coherent and engaging despite the relentless pace. It was an impressive achievement that demonstrated considerable preparation, discipline and attention to detail.
He was ably supported by the wonderfully talented Charlotte Jervis, whose choreography was nothing short of exhilarating.
Her imaginative, high-energy routines perfectly captured the infectious spirit of Madness, with the cast delivering every number with tremendous passion, enthusiasm and impressive precision.
And with more than 40 teenagers to coordinate, I certainly don’t envy Charlotte the task of getting everyone moving in the right direction at precisely the right moment!
Yet she achieved just that, creating vibrant, tightly coordinated musical sequences that were an absolute joy to watch.
Musical Director Tom Wells, making his debut with SCMYT, also deserves enormous praise.
The music of Madness may sound effortlessly catchy, but beneath those familiar melodies lie some deceptively tricky arrangements.
Tom and his orchestra rose magnificently to the challenge, delivering the score with confidence, precision and all the musical character that makes these songs so instantly recognisable.
Visually, the production was equally impressive. A giant screen at the rear of the stage provided striking imagery that added depth and atmosphere, while wonderfully colourful lighting enhanced both the exuberant musical sequences and the more dramatic moments.
The screen visuals and lighting, operated by Jack Tustin of Going Dark Theatrical Services, contributed enormously to the production’s polished appearance.
Scene changes were handled with remarkable efficiency, sometimes so smoothly that they were barely noticeable. It’s the sort of backstage professionalism that audiences may take for granted but which makes an enormous difference.
No review would be complete without recognising the tremendous contribution of the ensemble.
And what an ensemble they were!
Dancing, singing and racing around the stage with seemingly boundless energy, these talented youngsters threw themselves wholeheartedly into every moment.
What was particularly delightful was the sheer enjoyment written across their faces. Here was a company clearly having the time of their lives, and their enthusiasm was impossible not to share.
Yet beneath all that exuberance was impressive discipline and teamwork, with everyone contributing to the excitement and atmosphere.
And then, of course, there is the music!
What can you possibly say about the songs of Madness that hasn’t already been said?
Wonderfully catchy, instantly recognisable and almost impossibly infectious, these are songs that have you tapping your feet and singing along before you know it.
For me, several numbers particularly stood out.
“House of Fun” and “Baggy Trousers” captured the mischievous energy and exuberance of youth, while “Wings of a Dove” brought its own wonderfully uplifting spirit.
And then there was “It Must Be Love”, a beautiful reminder that beneath all the comedy and high-energy musical numbers lies a story with genuine heart.
Every number was delivered with passion and enthusiasm, and I can almost guarantee you’ll leave the theatre with at least one Madness song going round and round in your head!
From Jamie Wilson’s outstanding leading performance to the warmth, humour and character of his fellow cast members, from the exhilarating choreography to the accomplished musical and technical presentation, every element contributed to a thoroughly entertaining evening.
Perhaps the greatest compliment I can pay SCMYT is that, for much of the evening, it was easy to forget we were watching a youth theatre company.
Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre can be immensely proud of “Our House – The Madness Musical”.
Bravo to everyone involved. One step beyond, indeed!
