'Leaves on the Line' at the Brockley Jack

Last night Brockley Central's Jon Godsell was lucky enough to be at the opening night of new musical 'Leaves on the Line' at the Brockley Jack Theatre in Crofton Park:

Criminally after 18 months in the area, this was our first time inside the Brockley Jack. What looks like a local footy pub from the outside, is actually rather pleasant inside - spacious and brimming with period charm, and the bar staff were chatty and attentive. The food was standard pub grub, which we downed in a matter of minutes since the bell was ringing for the start of the performance...

I suppose it was to be expected, but we weren't quite prepared for the size of the theatre - this is a properly intimate affair, with probably no more than 50 seats. Sitting in the front row, as we were, is literally like staring the actors in the face. This takes a little getting used to - especially when, in the first moments, Anita Adams as Anna starts belting out a song at the top of her voice!

The musical aspect was something of a novelty at first, and others in the audience had trouble keeping themselves together for the first few scenes - the man behind was practically falling off his chair in fits of giggles, but the actors took this in their stride, even on this opening night. The performance was flawless to my untrained eyes.

As the play flowed from scene to scene and song to dance (there was actually only one dance) the script draws you into the characters and gradually they start to link up. Without giving too much away, Leaves on the Line cleverly entwines narratives and periods - quite a feat on such a small scale. The script, music and accompanying lyrics, by award winner Matthew Knowles, were fantastic, and had us singing all the way home. Memorable performances here included waitress Hazel's 'Another Cup of Coffee' and philosophic train announcer Olive's glorious 'The Girl Who Was Perpetually Late'.

All in all, Leaves on the Line comes thoroughly recommended. Act quickly if you want to see it though, as sadly it only runs until the 28th July. Who knows where the play might go after that? Just remember you heard it first in Brockley.


Leaves on the Line:
24th - 28th July, Brockley Jack Theatre.
Booking is advised. Box office: 020 8291 6354.