Basket
Remaining time: 

    Mood Music "what you see is what you get"

    Joe Penhall’s ‘Mood Music’ premieres at the beautiful Old Vic Theatre, which perfectly lends to the grandeur that these musicians would be used to. The stage is completely open, appearing bigger than it might do with elaborate sets but the simplicity of this set doesn’t hide anything, perhaps award-winning set designer Hildegard Bechtler intended this to be expressive of the revelations we learn from these characters as they go through psychotherapy.

    Mood Music "what you see is what you get"

    As well as the set being exposed, it also consists of numerous microphones hanging from the ceiling which could not only represent the fact that this play revolves around musicians but to the fact that their every word is being heard, all their secrets and feelings coming out. This is possibly the most stripped back play altogether that you will see on the West End, currently. Yes, it comes from brilliant creators and even stars the amazing Ben Chaplin, but their talent only adds to the simplicity.

    Two musicians clashing may not sound like the most interesting dilemma, but the darkness of the music business will be exposed through this relationship, reflected upon through their therapists and amplified through their lawyers. Ben Chaplin takes on the role of the experienced producer, musician and ‘genius’ – aka narcissist, who plays opposite Seana Kerslake, young singer, who struggles for creative control.

    This play opens doors, showing us the not so glamorous side of the music industry, it’s to an extent dark but humorous for it. There aren’t any dramatic backdrops or props. There isn’t a flashy lighting arrangement. There isn’t even a huge amount of music. What you see is what you get – it’s raw emotion, actors doing what they do best, and they certainly do showcase just what an ‘actors’ best can be, as they capture the audience – you’ll be hanging off their every word.

    When you think of the West End you tend to think of the big musicals and the show-offy shows, but this play doesn’t boast any of that and it doesn’t need it either. You’ll want to be quick getting these tickets, because they aren’t likely to hang around.

    Mood Music closes its run at the Old Vic 16 June. You can book your tickets here.


    A love for theatre stemmed from my love of literature and music, but the West End on my doorstep opened up a whole new appreciation and passion for all things stage-y


    Related news

    Headshots of Denise Gough and Billy Crudup who will star in High Noon on the West End

    Billy Crudup and Denise Gough Star in High Noon in the West End

    Posted on | By Hay Brunsdon |

    Don’t miss the world premiere of High Noon, a new play written by Academy Award-winner Eric Roth, based on the ... Read more

    Everything You Need to Know About Kenrex: True Story, Cast, Reviews & Performances

    Posted on | By Hay Brunsdon |

    What Is the Kenrex Play About? Kenrex is the gripping one-man play inspired by the true story of Ken Rex McElroy, ... Read more

    The Weir. Brendan Gleeson looks into the distance, a brown background behind.

    Brendan Gleeson’s West End Debut in The Weir & Where You’ve Seen Him Before

    Posted on | By Hay Brunsdon |

    Who is Brendan Gleeson? Brendan Gleeson is one of Ireland’s most respected actors, who has a knack for playi... Read more

    Follow us for instant updates and special offers

    Sign up to our mailing list and be the first to hear about new West End shows and exclusive ticket discounts. We value your privacy. You can unsubscribe at any time. But we hope you won’t!