Penny Millionaire is a vibrant new musical based on the life of the artist Paul Gauguin. Charting his life from the day he resigns from his job at the bank to become a full-time painter till his death, this is a roller coaster of a musical that travels from Paris to Tahiti and back again.
Originally conceived and written by Bev Jones and Stephen Ward in 1976, Penny Millionaire was re-written by Bev Jones in 2012 adding in new songs, arrangements and a new script. This first staging of this new musical was developed by the producer Lesley Jones and director/choreographer Iain Harvey and is intended as a legacy to Jones and his talent. This decision is further reinforced by all profits being donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.
From riches to rags to riches was the tempestuous life of Paul Gauguin. Knowing very little about the life of the artist I was concerned that I might not be able to appreciate the story, but with a wealth of interesting characters to follow I was quickly drawn into the world of 19th Century Paris and its art. Rory Mulvihill took on the challenging role of Paul Gauguin with confidence and power. He portrayed Gauguin’s despair at being denied access to his children and his frustrations as an artist well, and his clear singing voice captivated the audience, especially during his solo numbers. His relationship with Schuffenecker, performed sensitively and with charming grace by Steven Jobson, added a much needed softness to a character whose actions were often selfish and irresponsible. In contrast to Schuffenecker’s devotion to his friend, Gauguin’s wife became bitter and nasty towards him. Sally Lewis had a tough job making such a character likeable but her affecting solo at the end of the show did eventually allow the audience to see the softer side to her character. 
Special mention must go to the ensemble, including the children, for their impressive part singing and high quality dancing. The large ensemble was used effectively and created a real impact in the many and varied chorus scenes, particular favourites of mine were ‘Tell Tahiti’, ‘Tahitian Dance’ and ‘The Auctioneer’s Song’.
The use of projections throughout the production was a brave but effective one, having the art work of Gauguin clearly projected onto the screens behind really highlighted the beauty and uniqueness of the art work for the audience. Having the set projected onto the screens also allowed for the large stage to be utilised fully for the chorus scenes.
This production achieved its aim of showing off the artistry and beauty of Bev Jones’ music, as well as telling an interesting story of some complicated and not always likeable characters. At times I would have liked some of the characters to have had more spoken dialogue so that the audience could have connected with them more fully, and occasionally a song maybe had a chorus or verse too many, but overall this was an entertaining evening that was full of beautiful melodies and toe tapping tunes. This musical will have you humming happily to yourself all the way home.
For Paul Gauguin, it was all about his art; for Penny Millionaire, it is all about Bev Jones’ music.
Reviewed: 18th January 2016
Reviewed: Elizabeth Vile
