I really liked the logistics scene as to how to get the barrels of gunpowder in the dark along the river to the house next to the Parliament cellars and the music of “Banks of the Thames” and “Barrels on the Water”.  There are good projected visuals, many with fire and fireworks. 

Carrie Hope Fletcher as Martha has a showstopping song and her numbers with the other women are really strong.  Bradley Jaden is a powerful singer giving his lyrics real intelligence and his duets with Martha are a joy.  The writers are blessed with such a cast. 

However my major gripe is with the use of the wives to tip off Cecil’s forces about the plot.  Why would dutiful Catholic wives be more concerned about the likely carnage and loss of life in the Palace of Westminster than the hanging, drawing and quartering of their husbands, the confiscation of their property and wealth and the disinheritance and making their children homeless?  This is not a blow for female empowerment but a plot device which weakens a really interesting musical.  Look to the book please! 

Urdang Academy have been brought in for the choreography but the dancers have too little space here as the full orchestra is on stage and I suspect also some of currently running Frozen set is behind them.

I do wonder if there is room for reflection on what is terrorism and what is freedom fighting?

In conclusion, some great music, stellar singers and a plot in progress!