The Great British Soap Opera

The Great British Soap Opera is Take Note Theatre's not-quite-so-satirical musical about the demise of British soaps. "Victoria Square", the soap within this opera, is in jeopardy as ratings plummet. Directors bring in new girl, Pandora (“society girl to slum dog slut”), to sex up the show and boost ratings. Class, love and the North/South divide become major issues off-screen, as Pandora superciliously creates a scene with her promiscuous behaviour.

The trashy plot, written by Pippa Cleary and Jake Brunger, comically satirizes Britain's love of TV soaps, employing some sharp lyrics and well-timed—albeit tastelessly flamboyant—choreography. The evident star of the show is Philippa Buxton who plays veteran actress Jenny.

Like so many musicals, this isn't a production of great subtlety. There is the stereotypical gay character thrown in to create the easy laughs; the odd lazy lyric; and lashings of gratuitous nudity.

If musicals are your cup of tea, there's lots going to recommend The Great British Soap Opera. But prepared for a good measure of sex, nudity “incest, violence and even comedy too” in what is a rather cheeky production.