★★★★★

We are all individuals who live different lives, with different passions, different ideas, and different goals – even though we may not know what those goals are. But ultimately we all share the same emotions and basic human experiences. This is what comes through in this new production. Disclaimer: I saw this in previews so some things may have changed. There were also no programmes available at my performance so I don’t have a list of songs or anything like that.

No Limits is a song cycle by Sam Thomas and is playing a two week run at The Turbine Theatre, having had a previous incarnation at the Camden Fringe in 2019. Directed by Dean Johnson (BKLYN and Lift) it features a very strong cast who work together as an ensemble (the sequence set on New Year’s Eve was stunning vocally) as well as each shining in their own stories.

“Seems like everybody’s getting married/having babies/getting promoted/moving elsewhere.”

The opening number sets the scene perfectly. An empty flat is gradually filled with five 20somethings, each moving in with their own possessions. We see a glimpse of the lives of each person that has lived in the flat across the years, as they move around the stage in their own world, never interacting with each other. It was very cinematic, showing vignettes of the lives lived in that one flat. This was a great opening device.

As I’ve already said, the cast is strong. The standout performance comes from Natalie May Paris (Six) as Dreamer. Anyone who has seen her perform before knows what a powerful voice she has and she did not disappoint. Her rendition of the title song towards the end of the show clearly went down well with the audience, but for me it was her Act 1 number ‘Every Girl Needs a Mother” which impressed me the most. It contained some very tender moments which allowed the warm side of her voice to shine through.

Natalie May Paris as Dreamer

Hannah Lowther (Heathers) played Catfish and I loved her confessional song about the time she was a catfish. Her duet with Michael Mather (Soho Cinders and But I’m a Cheerleader) as Fighter was a lovely exploration of a relationship in trouble but still the desire to hold it all together.

Hannah Lowther as Catfish

Michael gave a strong performance throughout – even avoiding being upstaged by three cute teddy bears as he dreams of being a rockstar!

Michael Mather as Rockstar

Mary Moore (Grease) played Funemployed and whilst there were times where I felt her voice got lost (this may have been down to technical issues that were still being sorted in previews), she had two standout moments were both very different, showing a great level of versatility. As the girlfriend who discovered her boyfriend was married she teamed up with the wife (played by Natalie) to get revenge. And then as the wannabe stand up doing her first comedy gig she took command of the stage.

Mary Moore as Funemployed

Owen Clayton (Julie: The Musical and It’s in the Air) played Romantic and performed his numbers with real heartfelt emotion and had a real connection with the audience. His number near the start of Act 1 was very powerful.

Owen Clayton as Romantic

Rounding up the cast is Saffi Needham as the swing (recently graduated and making her professional debut).

As well as emotion there were some real funny moments – most notably the opening number of Act 2! – making this a lovely varied night of entertainment. It reminded us that it doesn’t matter what other people are seeming to achieve we are all following our own trajectories and we will all get there. We should ‘know no limits’. And trust me, the person you are looking at and thinking they have it all figured out is most likely thinking the same about you!

No Limits is playing at The Turbine Theatre until 26th February. Tickets are available here – https://www.theturbinetheatre.com/whats-on/no-limits

Photos © Danny Kaan