Having lived in Brighton for less than a year, Hanover the musical seemed like a wildly foreign affair for an outsider to the small community above Kemp town, let alone for a relative outsider to the city. I was admittedly baffled by some of the inside jokes and felt that at times the wry satire evaded me. However I was won-over by the charm of this intelligent and laugh out loud production which unites everybody by making everybody a stranger!
The show sees landlord Stanley (played by real pub landlord Chris Beaumont!) uncover hidden treasure in his cellar which includes documents entitling Hanover independence. The musical parodies act as the driving force behind this unconventional gem and they are both witty and well sung. The stand-out undoubtedly being Joanna Fisher’s hilariously bathetic rendition of ‘little boxes’ which myself being a student could relate to on some levels.
Levels of course are what make this show both funny and heart-warming. Hanover alienates Brighton which in turn alienates the rest of the UK which in turn alienates Europe and the rest of the world! Nowhere is this more apparent than in the fantastic film segments which poke fun at the Coalition government and in the befittingly British portrayal of the American newsreader. There were laughs for people on every level (including of course the green-party-supporting, muesli-loving, Thai-chi-doing Brightonians on The Level!)
Hannah Summers gives an exceptional performance in a variety of roles which showcase her powerful voice and knack for character. The musical of course revels in idiosyncrasies with both focaccia and Vegetarian shoes making an appearance in songs which pay homage to Brighton’s renowned eclecticism. In a memorable line from an unmemorable drunkard we are reminded that this is Hanover, where you will never find someone born and bred in Brighton! Ultimately this is the crux of the show and what makes it so enjoyable even for a relative alien like myself. You are reminded of your own home wherever that is and how bizarre and bloody brilliant one small community can be!
Bewildering Brightonian fun, Hanover the Musical opens and closes with a bang and invites you to partake in the bonkers! It highlights the quirks of a small seaside community but it also reads as a celebration of British culture in general. At times a little alienating for an outsider you are left however feeling deserved to share in the patriotism and humming the infectious horary for Hanover all the way to the nearest pub!
