There have been movies, reports, books, and articles about them, so a musical was just a matter of time. Fangirls at Lyric Hammersmith delves into the complexities of being a teenage girl obsessed with a musical idol. It unfolds an absurdly campy story about a fourteen-year-old kidnapping her favourite musician to—paradoxically—set him free.
With obvious references in both the book (the idol’s name is Harry, repeated endlessly) and the music (the songs are uncannily reminiscent of One Direction tunes), the show is not only amusingly referential but also ironic. It explores many facets of being a fangirl and, more broadly, a teenager, with disarming relatability, though at times with annoying simplicity: financial challenges, peer jealousy, the blend of toxicity and community, puberty, sexuality, physicality, and parental pressure, to name but a few.
The execution of these themes varies. Act 2 is undoubtedly more profound than the first, featuring honest confessions about the struggles of not being taken seriously as a teenage girl (a daring solo performance by the lead, Jasmine Elcock) and an emancipation anthem for fangirls (a refreshing ensemble number). The impersonation of a One Direction concert is spot on; it feels like watching a Simon Cowell-produced concert movie, capturing all its catchiness and effusiveness of emotions.
However, at times, it resembles a Glee episode dedicated to Harry Styles-esque songs—with an incredible cast but painfully similar-sounding tunes and lowbrow humour, which might entertain some but is likely to grate on others (this show can surely do better than toilet jokes or perpetuating stereotypes).
Speaking of the cast, the young performers, full of talent and contagious enthusiasm, are the greatest asset of Fangirls. The lead, Jasmine Elcock, as Edna, seems born for musical theatre, effortlessly combining singing and storytelling. Meanwhile, Gracie McGonigal, who plays Lily, ostensibly a comic relief psycho fangirl, also steals the show. Despite the character’s stereotypical role, McGonigal brings surprising depth and complexity to Lily, showcasing her incredible talent and challenging the usual pigeonholing of such characters.
While Fangirls occasionally lacks depth, it never falls short of energy. It’s a must-see for the vibrant and authentic performances of the cast, who bring the highs and lows of teenage fangirl life to life with infectious enthusiasm.
