Reviewer: Sarah Baumber
Upstaged Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#BeMoreMartyn tells the story of Martyn Hett’s vibrant life before it was tragically cut short in the Manchester Arena bomb attack in 2017. Created from interviews with PR Specialist Martyn’s real-life friends, the verbatim production written by Adam Zane and Mike Lee, is unashamedly honest and at times, hilarious, just like the eponymous hero.
Dick Longdin’s set, seemingly a metaphor of Martyn’s life as his smiling face surrounded the bar area, flanked by Corrie stars and other formidable divas, remained simple and allowed for intimacy with the convincing cast throughout. They worked hard to help us get to know a bit about Martyn; how he lived his days (and nights), his power to influence and ignite others; the quirks his loved ones recalled joyfully and the traits they recalled in a less positive manner.
The whole cast did an incredible job of creating a genuine and personal story – at times it was difficult to remember they were actors. I especially enjoyed Calum Scott’s ‘Alastair,’ and the vulnerability he brought to the role but each cast member provided a different perspective of Martyn, without idealising him. Indeed, it was the unabashed honesty, alongside the snippets of actual video footage, the uplifting pop songs and of course the plentiful Manchester specific references, that prevented the production from being overly sentimental – something I had worried needlessly about beforehand. Did I shed a tear? A few, but not all of sadness…most were Audrey Roberts related in fact.
All in all, a triumphant and poignant celebration of friendship and remembrance, told through the tragic lens of loss, I left the theatre reflecting not on the events of a terrorist attack, not on the personal losses of those who were sharing their stories, or even the sadness of a young man having his life curtailed senselessly. I left feeling optimistic and grateful for the Martyns and all the other characters I have in my life. Feeling like perhaps even little old me could #BeMoreMartyn moving forward. And from what I’ve just learned about him, I cannot imagine there’s anything he would love more than having his own production and a cast of actors living out his Eurovision parties on stage.
An iconic night out.
-Sarah Baumber
Find out more about Hope Theatre Company’s work here.