It’s always exciting to see new musicals and plays taking to the stage at our monumental theatres in the heart of London. It’s even more exhilarating when it’s by such an exciting young and vibrant team, who are taking charge and shifting the musical theatre industry, and it’s very safe to say they did not disappoint!

Babies was created by Jack Godfrey and Martha Geelan and it follows a class of year 11’s who are given a simulation baby to take care of for the week in order to learn about parenthood and also deter them from teenage pregnancy.

Both Martha and Jack are incredible. Their writing was clever, comedic and fast paced and did not comprise the heart-warming story of Leah. Leah is the unlikely protagonist and star pupil in the Babies class, developing a strong and heartening bond with her ‘baby,’ as it is the only one she is confident enough to confide in. Her success enrages the jealous teacher’s pet, Jasmine  played to perfection by Lauren Conroy. Jasmine goes on a journey of her own, she starts the musical determined to succeed but things begin to crumble under the academic pressure she feels from her family.

Ultimately she learns the art of letting go and having fun with her classmates and of course their babies! The songs oozed character with the music style ranging from ballads to upbeat ensemble numbers, often using the style of pop musical with catchy lyrics that I’ve been singing all week!

My personal favourite was ‘Someone Else’ which was performed by the outstanding Jaina Brock-
Patal who played Becky. Becky, is the IT girl influencer of the school who is dating lads-lad Ben, played excellently by Max Mulrenan. The pair oozed charisma and had outstanding comedic timing and really drew the audience to them, no matter where they were on stage. I just felt so at ease watching these two stars in the making.

That said, the whole class was outstanding, my biggest takeaway from the piece was how amazing this young cast are. They were given a beautifully crafted story arch and they ran with it wonderfully. By the end of the performance we not only liked these characters, we felt were one of them!

The characterisation was impeccable, every character was so different and unique with outstanding comedic timing. Most notably Lucy Carter as Lulu, who has a comedic gift that can’t be taught.

I didn’t expect Babies to be a laugh-out-loud show but it really was. It was also refreshing to see every character getting a moment to shine. Everyone in the class had a clear storyline and a purpose, ranging from queer romances, coming-out and self-expression. Viola Maisey managed to capture the journey of coming-out and learning to love her sexuality beautifully with her performance of best friend Grace.

I really left the theatre with an amazing buzz of happiness and energy that has followed me around for the past two days. This show is infectious, charming and oozes character. The cast is a joy and the writing is sharp. I can’t recommend Babies enough. All that remains for me to say is thank you to the cast, crew and producers of Babies for an amazing night!

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