Good Golly Miss Molly! Revival Celebrates Community Power with Rock'n'Roll
The New Vic theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme is currently hosting a vibrant revival of Bob Eaton's 1989 musical Good Golly Miss Molly!, a production that masterfully combines social history with the infectious energy of rock'n'roll. This show, which runs until 2 May, tells the inspiring story of residents in Hawes Street, Tunstall, who band together to fight against council demolition plans, advocating instead for home improvements to preserve their community.
A Joyous Slice of Social History
At first glance, Good Golly Miss Molly! appears as a jolly slice of social history, ticking off shared experiences of pop culture and politics through a soundtrack of rock'n'roll standards. The production is enriched with local references, such as the disappearing Shelton Bar steel works, grounding the narrative in a specific time and place. However, as the show progresses into its second half, it becomes clear that Eaton's creation is far more insinuating and powerful than it initially seems.
Eaton was a pioneer of actor-musician shows when he first staged this production in 1989, and its themes remain strikingly relevant today. The story revolves around the residents of Hawes Street, who resist a slum clearance programme by forming a residents' association. Their successful campaign to save their homes is told through the lens of a band reuniting for a nostalgic performance in a social club, with music serving as the glue that binds the community together.
Character Development and Musical Integration
The titular character, Molly, portrayed with beautiful understatement by Shirley Darroch in this revival, undergoes a remarkable transformation. She evolves from a belligerent schoolgirl into a lead singer, NUM staffer, and chair of the residents' association, finding self-fulfilment along the way. This character arc is central to the narrative, though it is not immediately obvious due to the various family conflicts, pregnancies, and trips to London that populate the plot.
When the connection between the music and the struggle hits home, it is fortified by the tremendous company's performances. The actors engage in doo-wopping, harmonising, and swapping instruments, creating a sense that the angst and yearning of the songs perfectly express the working-class struggle depicted in the play. The music pulls the audience into the action, literally for those in the front row, adding an exuberant lift to the New Vic's 40th anniversary season.
Areas for Deeper Exploration
Despite its strengths, the production could have greater impact if the central conflict were more fully explored. In 1989, the details of such housing battles might have been more widely understood, but today, the play offers only a sketchy idea of what the residents have to lose. The forces they are up against are represented vaguely through the sympathetic councillor Eddie, played by David Ahmad, leaving some aspects of the struggle underdeveloped.
Nevertheless, Good Golly Miss Molly! succeeds in delivering a joyful and engaging experience. The live band belts out classic rock'n'roll songs, infusing the show with energy and nostalgia. This revival not only celebrates community power and resilience but also highlights the enduring appeal of Eaton's innovative approach to theatre, making it a must-see for fans of musicals and social history alike.
