Here Lies Love – a musical by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim

Here Lies Love – a musical by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim

Dorfman Theatre at the National until 8th January 2015

Standing tickets are the best way to experience the pulsating nightclub setting for the story of Imelda, wife of Ferdinand Marcus who ruled the Philippines from 1965 until a bloodless revolution ousted him from power in 1986. This history of tyranny and ultimately rule by martial law is the unlikely collaboration between new wave legend David Byrne of Talking Heads fame and musician Fatboy Slim. The result is an exhilarating 90 minutes disco fest as the jiggling audience witness an unusual depiction of the First Lady of the Philippines  emerging from a modest background to political glory which includes a disco ball (apparently Imelda had one in her New York townhouse). But Here Lies Love (the title is drawn from Imelda’s tombstone request for when she dies) is no satire that focusses solely on the excesses of Imelda Marcus – there is not a spare shoe in sight despite her legendary collection – but a much more serious take on the old adage that power corrupts.

The staging is very effective and, as a standing participant, the audience is drawn into the production dancing, singing and moving with the set as it revolves round the floor space during the literal unravelling of the glamorous, but ultimately corrupt, couple. In addition to the musical action, the story is told via the use of newsreels where the the stage actors are being filmed and then projected onto the surrounding screens. Historical newsreel footage is also used and the production very cleverly mimics Imelda’s original appearance by a simple change of costume or hairstyle.

The show exudes great energy and the cast is superb – Nathalie Mendoza gives it her all as Imelda. At times, I was so swept away by the whole 360 degree exhilaration that I thought the cast must number at least 30 but countered only 17 at the curtain call. I walked away, full of enthusiasm for the production and was left thinking that actually Talking Heads would do a great rendition of Fatboy Slim’s hit song Praise You – maybe not such an unlikely collaboration after all and we can all live in hope for a reunion of the iconic band.