The songs ranged from comedic (such as the ‘Trouble with Men’ as childish John tries to figure out what is going on with his older sister), to nostalgic, to heartbreaking. Sometimes musicals without dialogue can seem self-indulgent due to the character singing every thought However, composition by the legendary Andrew Lippa (‘The Addams Family’, ‘Big Fish’) and lyrics by Tom Greenwald meant the songs only furthered the plot and character progression as they age. The music was mesmerising and character-centred. Lighting was effective for scene changes and heightened the emotional pull of scenes through spotlights on characters followed by an immediate blackout. Because the two actors rarely got respite for more than 30 seconds, the majority of costume embellishments and props were kept in a toy box upstage and utilised to further the narrative. The minimal set consisted of two armchairs and a footrest.

The majority of the show takes place in a house, setting the tone for the theme of escapism both the characters longed for at various points. The back of the stage was decked out with brightly patterned sheets and tablecloths of the flower power era, evoking travel and culture while retaining a homely environment. At first full of childhood innocence and imagination, defying the cruel world around them, the characters then question at what point in life does this wonder become a hindrance? And how do they cope in a world full of continuous hellos and goodbyes?īackdock Arts’ intimate venue was a wonderful choice for this production.

It tells the story through the song of Jen and the two Johns in her life – her brother and her son – as they grow together and apart. This two-person musical is a mesmerising portrayal of the human condition. Brand new theatre company Queen Jean Productions deserves a standing ovation for its debut show, ‘John and Jen’.

With the Band by Jean Haus