All Or Nothing, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham - review and pictures

So upon arriving to the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham last night for the opening night of the Small Faces musical All Or Nothing, my knowledge of both the band and associated ‘mod’ culture was through the filter of Paul Weller, Bradley Wiggins and Pretty Green fashions.

Acting as a jukebox musical depicting the story and music of the Small Faces, the narrative is led by the band’s front man Steve Marriott played excellently by Chris Simmons, demonstrating Marriott’s demise through drink and drugs. Some poignant moments within the show are made all the more powerful through Steve Marriot standing alongside his younger self played by Samuel Pope.

A simple yet highly effective set and lighting design did well to highlight mod culture and fashions that were exaggerated by the large number of scooters outside the theatre upon the audience’s entrance. It’s clear that this show is meant as a tribute to those who were both part of the scene and the band’s fans however it’s made accessible by the excellently funny script written by Carol Harrison.

But of course a musical is based around songs, and the hits come thick and fast throughout the entirety of the show. ‘All Or Nothing’, ‘Itchycoo Park’, ‘Tin Soldier’ and ‘Lazy Sunday’ all make an appearance with the four piece band playing everything from on stage and live in front of you.

There are a number of moments throughout the evening that you could forget you’re a theatre at all, when the lights are dazzling and the music is blaring you could be confused for thinking you’re at a rock concert. And when the entire audience get on their feet to dance and sing along, it’s clear that All Or Nothing is the perfect mix of clever writing underpinned by great songs.

All Or Nothing runs at the New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday and tickets are still remaining. So ‘Watcha Gonna Do About It’.