I was extremely lucky to photograph some of the brightest stars on the West End stage; performing in a socially-distanced outdoor concert to close Norwich Theatre’s INTERLUDE festival. Although I wasn’t familiar with ‘Hair’ before, the musical certainly struck a chord with me. Over fifty years since the production’s debut, it has become more vital than ever to hear these characters sing: “Our eyes are open.”
L-R: Layton Williams, Matt Croke, Cleve September and Jordan Luke Gage in Hair The Musical: An Outdoor Concert.
Welcome! Sulphur dioxide.
Hello! Carbon monoxide.
The air, the air
Is everywhere…- Lyrics from Air, in Hair The Musical.
Sophie Isaacs in Hair The Musical: An Outdoor Concert.
As I was snapping the performance, what struck me was the cast’s energy and excitement to be on-stage. The show’s infatuation with psychedelia and self-expression, allows the performers to be playful, to improvise and to showcase the creativity that all of us in the arts are fighting to save.
At the time of it’s release, the musical was deemed radical for promoting pacifism, racial equality, sexual liberty, and environmental justice. To be honest, these core values still make Hair vital viewing in 2020. The production opened with a damning voiceover from Donald Trump, whilst a large screen behind projected archive footage from the 60s. The blend of historical and current issues culminated in clips of Greta Thunberg and the Extinction Rebellion movement, highlighting the positive change we can make today.
This musical is a lot of fun, but it’s message is no joke.
T’shan Williams in Hair The Musical: An Outdoor Concert.
We really don’t know when full-scale theatre will return, so to hear live music was a gift. To see the world’s most talented performers grace our makeshift stage, was a truly special moment. It was a privilege to capture them doing what they were born to do.
L-R: Jordan Luke Gage, T’shan Williams and Jodie Steele in Hair The Musical: An Outdoor Concert.
